The 3 Steps of Succeeding with AI – A Nordic Perspective

AI is one of the most frequently discussed technologies today. But how do you make the most of this powerful platform? Aurelio D’Inverno, AI Transformation Lead for Cognizant in Europe, explains the essential steps for a robust AI product and exemplifies with ongoing Nordic initiatives.

When I talk to companies and organizations, the potential of AI is brought up on the table sooner or later. Typically, the interest either derives from a business perspective; “I have this problem and wonder how to solve it?” or from a technology perspective, where there’s a genuine interest in AI as an emerging technology and in how to utilize it in the organization. 

Some time ago, I attended the AI for Good event in Stockholm (still available on-demand if you’d like to catch up), and would like to share my views on AI with you. Firstly, in this video I outline the AI steps, including the requirements of AI, the vital role of pattern recognition, and potential use cases:

Secondly, what about tangible Nordic AI projects? I’m sharing three of the several ongoing initiatives: 

• Cognizant and Grundfos, a global maker of pumps and water management equipment, built a virtual agent that can interact with IoT-enabled components to diagnose maintenance issues and suggest solutions. This means that non-experts at remote facilities can handle complex repairs on their own, with guidance from Grundfos.
• Emerging technologies such as AI, Machine Learning and the IoT are helping Norwegian engineering firm Kvaerner streamline its challenging construction process for offshore oil platforms –  all the way from concept and design to construction.
• There are several ongoing discussions across industries in the Nordics about using AI in call centers, something Cognizant already has implemented at a UK utilities company. The imperative is to reduce the number of calls, and when a call is received, to suggest the “next best action” – recommendations on how to proceed supported by AI engines. Applying AI in a call center actually makes sense for most large companies, since it both increases the quality of the client experience and reduces internal costs.  

What about using AI for the benefit of humanity and the planet then? I believe AI holds a vast potential here; it can be used, for example, to optimize truck driving patterns to reduce CO2 emissions, to decrease the number of accidents by monitoring drivers’ alertness, be integrated in smart buildings via sensors to lower the energy consumption, or anywhere else where automatic decision will increase efficiency. Cognizant is currently involved in some highly interesting research about smarter cities where sensors, data, analysis and AI play a leading role.

Compared to others, Cognizant tries to keep a holistic view on AI, covering everything from enablers such as platforms, data governance, master data, to the human aspect where we view AI as a mean to augment people’s decision. If you’re curious to hear more about AI, I’m happy to assist. You can also read more about the key ingredients for successful AI here.