Are you an AI company ?

Most often it is Asking the Wrong Question

Imagine a car manufacturer being reduced to a "fuel conversion company"—it’s narrow and misleading. Yet today, businesses are often cornered into similarly restrictive labels, such as “Are you an AI company?” It is amusing and it piggy backs on the general hype. 

Beyond the Technology Hype

In a hype obsessed landscape, companies are pressured to prove they’re keeping up with trends in AI, IoT, Mobility or  Cloud. Many companies have deferred their decision as they remain undecided where to start and how it may evolve. Reality is that it will keep changing and speeding up.  Therefore, is that really the right focus? Instead of asking whether a company is tech-centric, we should ask, what problems are they solving, and how are they intend to make an impact?

The Real Question: What Problems Do You Solve?

Your organization’s true value lies in addressing real-world issues, not just in showcasing the latest digital tools. Do consider

• Are you enhancing efficiency in critical areas?
• Are you improving customer experiences in meaningful ways?
• Are you driving innovation that truly matters?

Or are you simply collecting technologies for the sake of it?

The Problem-Solver’s Mindset: Level 5 Digitization

A "problem-solver’s mindset" focuses on solving real challenges and creating sustainable value. Level 5 digitization, as highlighted in the recent LinkedIn post, is about reaching a point where technology is seamlessly integrated around a central purpose, not used as a standalone showcase. 

With Level 5 maturity, the focus shifts from technology-driven solutions to solutions-driven technology. This involves:

1. Identifying Pressing Challenges: At the heart of Level 5 digitization is a commitment to solving real problems. Identify your organization’s critical pain points—be it customer service delays, inefficiencies in operations, or supply chain disruptions.
2. Creating Value-Driven Solutions: Design solutions specifically aimed at the problems identified. This could mean revamping processes, improving service flows, or creating stronger customer support mechanisms. Here, technology only plays a supporting role; the main goal is to drive value in practical, targeted ways.
3. Using Technology as an Amplifier: Rather than leading with technology, consider it an enabler. AI, IoT, and Cloud can enhance efficiency and provide valuable insights, but they should be employed to serve your solutions, not define them. For instance, AI might help predict customer needs more accurately, or IoT could track asset performance, but these tools are only as powerful as the problems they’re set to solve.

ROI Reality Check

It’s easy to get lost in tech investments without a problem-focused approach. Studies from Harvard Business Review reveal that nearly 70% of digital transformation efforts don’t meet expectations. The gap in returns is often due to a lack of focus on problem-solving.

Redefining Your Identity

Don’t let technology alone define your organization. Embrace an identity centered on real solutions and impactful change, using technology to deepen and extend that impact. Technology should follow the purpose, not the other way around.

Shall We Reframe the Question

Instead of asking, “Are you an AI company?” lets ask 

• What core problems do you solve?
• How do you drive impactful change?

In the end, companies that are defined by their purpose, not their technology, are the ones that leave a lasting mark. Embrace the problem-solving mindset, and let technology support the journey.

Take Action:

1. Identify pressing problems.
2. Design solutions that center on real value.
3. Allow technology to support and amplify—without becoming the centerpiece.

Remember: Technology amplifies, but true purpose leads the way.