Question

In the article, "AI Transformation Playbook," the author recommends a number of steps for transforming your enterprise with AI. After thoroughly understanding these steps, conduct some research to find and share real-world examples for each step (e.g., cases from famous companies that have implemented similar processes). This exercise is meant to help you gain a more practical knowledge of the process discussed in the above article.

Answer 1

The Book "AI Transformation Playbook" is actually based on the experiences of Google Brain Team which worked on AI for Google on many platforms and its integration.

Author has following steps for AI Transformation for Google:

1. Execute Pilot Projects to Gain Momentum

It is important to have initial AI Projects to be successful rather than most valuable as it captures attention of other team members and also encourages company to invest more into further AI Projects. So choose first assignments which can show impact within 6-12 months and visible to everyone.

In Google, Google Speech was most undervalued team which was not paid much attention. As Pilot project, Speech team was selected for AI and they showed drastic improvements and which caught other teams attention over the same. Participation and involvement from management for AI then increased post signs of success into the Speech Team.

2. Build an In-House Team

Building an In House Team will help the company in longer run and with successful AI Projects, it will also enable company to build competitive advantages rather than relying on outsourced projects.

Generally CEO handles many Business Units(BU) and adding an AI Unit into the same will enable the to have a new division which will be cross functional and with new roles and responsibilities like Machine Learning, Data Science, etc. This will create enthusiasm among other teams towards this new BU and this inclination may result into the better output.

Google has Google Brain which cross functions across various platforms like Google Speech, Maps, Google Email for better implementation.

3. Provide Broad AI Training

Though there are many ways it is better to curate the content rather than create the content as many online platforms like courseera, youtube etc are available with vast knowledge. Also through classroom training with help of consultant is another option as well but it is totally dependent on the level on training you are planning.

Lets Say for Business Leaders, training should be focused on the impact of AI into the enterprise, resource utilization & allocation and design collaborative structure of the AI Team. For Project Managers, it should be ways of controlling, monitoring, tracking progress, resource allocation, correction on due cource for the success of the project. For AI Engineer, it should be on deliverables assigned to them with help of new technology.

Google Brain continuously imparted training on AI Team which made it a successful AI project which can be seen as Google Assistant.

4. Develop an AI Strategy

Google first ran pilot projects and then designed the AI Strategy based on the experiences on the Pilot projects.

AI Strategy should not be the first step. Actually going through step 1-3 will enable the company to develop a thoughtful of AI Strategy. Google first went on with step 1-3 on several successful projects and then developed an AI Strategy on developing integrated version of AI which will be most valuable to the team and accordingly decided on various parameter like budget, resources, data etc.

5. Develop Internal and External Communication

Maintaing External Communications with Government, Investors, etc and activities like user awarenes creation, training etc will help in making it more meaningful for the AI Project to succeed. Also AI is seen with skeptisim from employees as they feel that it will take away their job should be addressed with counselling and on regular intervals which is internal communication of the company.

Google ran many commercials, file patents, liaisoning with government body on compliances and documentations, and met with investors and informed them about progress, scope & potential for AI projects which is why their Google Assistant is now giving tough competition to Siri of Apple Inc.