How to unlock to value of AI with a Data strategy

Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) quickly become integral assets that drive competitive advantage and innovation. Microsoft has been at the forefront of releasing new Data Analytics and AI tools, setting the stage for a significant transformation in how companies operate and compete. However, to fully leverage these powerful tools, organisations need to have the proper platform in place — one grounded in a comprehensive data strategy.

Since the mainstream announcements surrounding generative AI in 2023, we have seen a significant uptick in interest and investment in data strategies, specifically in creating a sound data foundation that will allow them to use AI.

Following the 6 Pillars of Data and AI Success

AI is set to revolutionise how organisations work. But the best AI tools require the best data and, unfortunately, many businesses struggle to manage their vast and disparate data resources. This can result in many missed AI and analytics opportunities.

Hitachi Solutions has been helping customers modernise old and outdated data estates for 20 years. We know that to take advantage of the powerful capabilities of AI and analytics, you need to start with a comprehensive data strategy.

To help customers develop the appropriate strategies for their organisation, our experts developed six pillars of a sound data modernisation plan. So when advising customers on their digital data initiatives, we always use these pillars as our guide:

Business-led Roadmap

Create a roadmap that is guided by business stakeholders and executives to ensure data initiatives serve a business purpose, align with your value drivers, and maximise outcomes.

Comprehensive Talent strategy

Develop a talent strategy to help you focus on planning for future resources and on upskilling and reskilling current employees to prepare them for more strategic roles in the new data-driven environment.

Data Policies and Principals

Define how data is shared and utilised across the organisation to enhance its value and help you better leverage AI. It’s important to develop data policies for all business functions and external interactions.

Technology Solutions

Identify the technology solutions and tools needed to ensure alignment with the business-led roadmap to drive even more value from your data and initiatives.

Data Management and Governance

Establish clear ownership and maturity models to make sure the right skill sets and decision-making processes are in place. This is crucial for maintaining data integrity, security, and compliance.

Adoption and Scaling

Prepare employees for the impact of new technology and changes in their roles and ensure these new capabilities are effectively disseminated across the global enterprise for true success.

By following these six pillars, you can plan and achieve a data-driven future state that empowers better decision-making and strategic growth.

Setting the Right Data Foundation for Your Strategy

Data serves as the foundation of every modern business strategy. But today’s data landscape is complex. To prepare for digital transformation and AI integration, you must have comprehensive data strategies that streamline data management, unify various data sources, and facilitate secure and scalable analytics.

This involves addressing challenges such as data extraction, transformation, and storage, while ensuring data democratisation and compliance. A data platform that supports operational efficiency and innovation is important for success and empowers users with actionable insights through AI-driven tools.

Fundamentals include:

Complete Analytics Platform

• • Supports and unifies all data sources
  • Easy to maintain and scale
  • Secures and governs data with appropriate policies and tools

Lake-centric and Open Platform

• • • Centralises data and provides accessible data storage
    • Distributes data for shared use among business users and data owners
    • Enables data sharing without duplication

Accessible and Actionable Data

• • Empowers business users with intuitive, familiar tools
  • Integrates with everyday applications for natural, seamless use

AI-powered Solutions

• • • Leverages AI insights through tools like Copilot and ChatGPT

Trusted and Secure Data

• • Enhances productivity and natural data interaction
  • Ensures data security and protection with encryption, role-based access control, and compliance standards

The Hitachi Solutions AI Advantage

As mentioned, Hitachi Solutions is an award-winning Microsoft partner with a team of seasoned data scientists and AI experts. We’re here to help you prepare and modernise your data estate, better understand the Microsoft AI solutions landscape, and determine which solutions offer the most value and best outcomes for your company.

If you would like to learn more about how Hitachi Solutions and Microsoft are empowering customers to achieve more with AI, contact us below.