The importance of operational agility
This article was based on the interview with Mark Simon of Celigo by Greg Kihlström, AI in Marketing keynote speaker for The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström podcast. Listen to the original episode here:
Operational agility is critical in the face of uncertainty, such as during an election year or economic downturn, is emphasized. The speaker discusses how businesses can prepare for the unknown by investing in operational efficiency and agility. This strategy involves shoring up operational processes, increasing efficiency, and enhancing flexibility to better respond to changing market conditions.
One key takeaway from the discussion is the need for businesses to address any operational debt they may have accumulated during periods of rapid growth. This operational debt can hinder a company’s ability to adapt quickly to new challenges or opportunities. By investing in automation, connectivity, and system integration, businesses can streamline their operations and be better equipped to pivot in response to market shifts.
Mark Simon highlights the example of companies that were able to quickly adapt to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those businesses that had already invested in operational agility were able to pivot their operations to meet the increased demand for online sales channels. This agility allowed them to respond faster than competitors and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the market.
Overall, the message of the podcast is clear: investing in operational agility is essential for businesses looking to thrive in uncertain times. By prioritizing efficiency, flexibility, and automation, companies can position themselves to navigate economic fluctuations, political changes, and other challenges with greater ease. Operational agility is not just a good strategy for the present but also a crucial factor in future-proofing a business for whatever may come its way.
AI is just another tool
AI is a tool for enhancing efficiency and automation within organizations. The speaker emphasizes that AI is not a new concept and has been around for decades, debunking the misconception that AI is a recent innovation. However, the recent advancements in AI technology, particularly in language models like chat GPT, have raised awareness and generated excitement around the potential of AI in various industries.
SImon acknowledges that the conversation around AI can sometimes be distracting, with the shiny object syndrome leading to a focus on the novelty of AI rather than its practical applications. Business leaders may feel pressure from various stakeholders, including other leaders, boards, employees, and even external parties, to leverage AI in their operations. This pressure can create stress and uncertainty, especially if organizations do not have clear data governance policies and AI strategies in place.
Despite the hype surrounding AI, the podcast argues that AI should be viewed as just another tool in the automation toolbox. Rather than chasing after the latest AI trends, business leaders should focus on how AI can be used to enhance operational efficiency and automate business processes. By approaching AI as a means to improve operational effectiveness, organizations can ensure that they are using AI in a strategic and purposeful manner.
Simon suggests that business leaders should assess their current operational foundation before incorporating AI into their processes. It is important to have a solid infrastructure in place to support the integration of AI tools and technologies effectively. This approach ensures that organizations are prepared to leverage AI in a way that aligns with their overall business objectives and contributes to long-term success.
While AI has the potential to revolutionize business operations, its true value lies in its ability to enhance operational efficiency and drive automation within organizations. By approaching AI with a strategic mindset and focusing on its practical applications, businesses can harness the power of AI to improve their operational agility and future-proof their operations.
