Latest news with #datastrategy
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
The Great Data Convergence: Where analytics meets artificial intelligence
[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.] In a nondescript conference room, a senior data architect at a Fortune 500 retailer pulls up a dashboard that would have been impossible to imagine just five years ago. She toggles between traditional business intelligence metrics and sophisticated artificial intelligence models, all drawing from the same vast pool of customer data. The seamless interaction between analytics and artificial intelligence isn't just impressive—it represents a fundamental shift in how companies approach their data strategy. Though most people have thought of analytics and AI as belonging to completely separate worlds, those spheres are converging. Organizations are discovering that their most valuable asset—their data—can serve double duty. The same data that powers analytics is becoming the foundation for AI and machine learning models. For instance, manufacturing teams analyzing equipment sensor data for maintenance scheduling now use those same data sets to train AI models that predict failures before they occur. Similarly, healthcare providers who previously used patient records purely for reporting now leverage this data to develop AI systems that help with potential diagnosis and treatment outcomes. While this convergence isn't new, generative AI (gen AI) has created urgent demand for data that can both inform analytics and serve as a building block to build (and build upon) the latest gen AI models, such as Anthropic's Claude model family or Amazon's new Nova models. Gen AI has also highlighted the persistent challenges of harnessing an organization's data—and added some new ones. 'For AWS customers, getting data ready for generative AI isn't just a technical challenge—it's a strategic imperative,' says Swami Sivasubramanian, VP of AI & Data at AWS. 'Proprietary, high-quality data is the key differentiator in transforming generic AI into powerful, business-specific applications. To prepare for this AI-driven future, we're helping our customers build a robust, cloud-based data foundation with built-in security and privacy. That's the backbone of AI readiness.' Data Challenges Old and New
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How CDOs Are Paving The Way For A Data-Driven Future
Dr. Adita Karkera, Ph.D., GPS Chief Data Officer, Deloitte. I've had the wonderful experience of working alongside numerous chief data officers (CDOs) across various industries. Watching the profound transformation they've undergone over the years, particularly in government sectors, has been truly inspiring. I remember the early days when the CDO role was just taking shape, often seen as a behind-the-scenes data position. Now, witnessing many of my CDO colleagues ascend as strategic leaders within the C-suite—turning data into a pivotal asset for their organizations—is exhilarating and strengthens my dedication to supporting these essential missions. Government CDOs today have been instrumental in crafting data strategies, open data plans and data inventories, as well as supporting AI adoption, among other critical initiatives. Deloitte's 2024 Federal CDO Survey, focusing on government CDOs, confirmed the same. It illuminated a maturing CDO function across the federal government, highlighting evolving priorities and increasing confidence in the CDO role. Since the formal establishment of federal CDOs, there has been notable progress in the government's ability to harness its extensive data collection to enhance governmental operations and benefit citizens. As society delves deeper into the era of AI, ongoing support for federal data leaders will likely become increasingly important. Imagine stepping into the shoes of a CDO. You're handed a role that's as clear as mud, but you're expected to lead the charge in transforming your organization's data landscape. Despite the initial ambiguity, CDOs are thriving. They've become trusted data gurus, driving significant advancements in data maturity within their organizations. That's no small feat. It's like turning a ship around in a stormy sea, but they've done it, and they've done it well. They've built a strong foundation, and now, the focus is shifting to the next frontier: AI. AI isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer, especially across federal agencies. Our CDO survey revealed that these data leaders are more than ready to meet the data demands for responsible AI development. Of note, 90% of surveyed CDOs were already using AI to some extent. That's a clear signal of their commitment to incorporating innovative technology into federal operations. Here's where it gets really interesting: one-third of surveyed CDOs ranked preparing data for innovative technologies, including AI, as a top mission priority. This isn't just about keeping up with trends; it's about strategic data readiness. It's about laying the groundwork today to help ensure that tomorrow's AI initiatives are built on a solid, reliable data foundation. Reflecting on my personal journey and my interactions with other CDOs, it's apparent that data leaders face significant challenges in preparing organizations for a data-driven future, particularly in leveraging AI. A major hurdle is the ambiguity of the role, which often overlaps with the responsibilities of the chief information officer (CIO), chief AI officer (CAIO) and other new titles coming up in the industry as we speak. Lack of clarity and communications in responsibilities and reporting lines not only creates confusion but also creates redundancies in aligning initiatives, resource utilization and execution. Further, it blocks cross-functional collaboration—and we certainly don't need any more silos in organizations. In my experience, budgetary constraints and lack of adequate leadership support can also challenge the success of the CDO. Basic investment in advanced data and AI tools, as well as technologies, is critical to be able to leverage data as a strategic asset. Additionally, promoting data literacy and fostering a culture of continuous learning requires executive support and necessary funding. These efforts are critical in cultivating innovation and steering the organization toward a successful data-driven future. From my perspective, the journey of a CDO is nothing short of inspiring. They've navigated the murky waters of role ambiguity, emerged as trusted leaders and are now spearheading the charge toward AI readiness. Their success stories are a testament to their resilience, strategic vision and unwavering commitment to data excellence. The next time you hear about a CDO, remember this: They're not just data managers; they're pioneers, driving their organizations toward a future where data and AI work hand in hand to create smarter, more efficient operations. That, my friends, is something worthy. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts and opinions expressed are the individual's own and do not represent the views, thoughts and opinions of Deloitte. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only and does not imply endorsement or opposition to any specific company, product or service. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
