If you agree with the statement above (it's not mandatory), then what does it take to actually deliver on it? I believe this is where digital transformation and artificial intelligence comes into play. First, let's discuss digital transformation. Wikipedia's (one of my most favorite sites) definition is, "Digital transformation refers to the changes associated with the application of digital technology (i.e. going paperless) in all aspects of human society."
Geography and locations can be digitized through digital maps, satellite images, overlays, GPS tracking and on-the-ground sensors (with embedded wireless chips) that report on all kinds of measurements and activities to a central server. The status of machines can even be monitored through wireless sensors. Think of a train, truck or ship automatically and wirelessly reporting its location, speed and operational status every few seconds to a central server. Mobile workers can report on the status of their work and projects, their physical environment and other activities and events from remote location. This data paints a picture or digital representation of an environment. My colleagues at the Center for the Future of Work at Cognizant call this data, "Code Halos."
Having all kinds of real-time data from a location or business process effectively digitizes it. It provides a digital representation of events and activities that enhances your situational awareness. It removes the "blind spots" in your area of operation. Removing these blind spots from business processes are where competitive advantages and ROIs will be found in 2014.
Enterprise mobility enables every mobile user to effectively be a remote sensor. Each additional sensor increases the situational awareness and intelligence of the organization, and better intelligence wins. ~Kevin Benedict
Once you have an accurate digital representation of your operational area (i.e. activities, resources, assets, events, locations, schedules, times, statuses, etc.) algorithms can be developed to better manage and execute your business based upon the digital inputs. Algorithms or digital rules can be developed and implemented so rapid and automatic adjustments can be made to schedules, assignments, business processes and workflows using artificial intelligence. I define artificial intelligence in this context as, "the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks, take actions and make decisions based upon data inputs and developed digital rules. The key is having the data to input. Mobile and wireless technologies, sensors and the Internet of Things provides the platforms for remote data collection in support of these solutions.
You can see a real world implementation of artificial intelligence integrated with mobile solutions in action in ClickSoftware's solutions ClickButler here - http://blogs.clicksoftware.com/clickipedia-blog/bid/91748/Artificial-Intelligence-Goes-Mobile-with-ClickButler
On a related subject, here is a great new video on the concept of "Code Halos" from my colleagues at the Center for the Future of Work at Cognizant.
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Kevin Benedict,
Head Analyst for Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud (SMAC)
Cognizant
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***Full Disclosure: These are my personal opinions. No company is silly enough to claim them. I am a mobility and SMAC analyst, consultant and writer. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.
