Watch The Video Recording of The Event
What went down at “Is Your Business AI Ready?” – Blue Tea Software’s Hybrid Session on AI and Data Management
On October 17th, 2024, Blue Tea Software brought together thought leaders, innovators, and industry experts for an insightful hybrid event titled “Is Your Business AI Ready? Data Management Strategies for the Future of Business”. Held both at Canary Wharf in London and online, the session explored critical strategies for navigating the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in business operations, with a particular focus on data management.
The Growing Importance of AI
Joe Evans, Senior Software Solutions Consultant at Blue Tea Software, opened the session by outlining the increasing impact of AI on business, noting that while headlines are filled with examples of AI making the rich richer, it’s time for companies of all sizes to explore how this technology can enhance operations. He emphasised that AI’s potential is vast, but grounding the conversation in business strategy and practical application is essential.
Joe Evans explained that the event was a natural continuation of a roundtable discussion that took place with business leaders in Southwest England in May, where data management and AI adoption were discussed. The goal of the event was to dive deeper into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and provide participants with actionable insights.
Keynote Speakers and Expert Panel Discussions
The expert panel featured prominent figures from various industries who shared their experiences with AI and data management. Among the speakers were:
- Georgios Michalakidis, CTO of the Perkbox/Vivup Group, and Blue Tea Software, discussed the practical application of AI in enhancing employee engagement and benefits delivery. Georgios emphasised that even industries as complex as government and healthcare can find tangible benefits in AI-driven strategies.
- Ben Hammond, Managing Director of Insight and Consultancy at The Lang Cat, provided a perspective on the financial services sector, where AI is increasingly used for client segmentation, risk management, and automating compliance processes.
- Alice Macleod, Founder of Tribe Associates, focused on the workforce development aspect of AI, discussing how businesses must prepare their teams for an AI-driven future and highlighting the importance of upskilling and adapting to technological changes.
The discussions covered a wide range of AI use cases, including customer segmentation, compliance automation, and the integration of AI into employee benefits systems. Speakers also stressed the importance of understanding and managing data effectively to unlock the full potential of AI.
Interactive Dialogue and Real-World Case Studies
The session was designed to be interactive, encouraging participants to engage with the speakers and panellists. This open format allowed for real-time feedback and questions from both in-person attendees and the online audience, fostering a lively discussion about the practical steps companies need to take to be “AI-ready.”
Participants heard success stories from businesses that have successfully integrated AI into their operations, such as AI-driven customer segmentation systems and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tools that streamline processes like contract reviews.
Key Takeaways
The event offered a wealth of insights into how businesses can approach AI and data management practically and strategically. Some of the key highlights and takeaways include:
- AI is Here to Stay
Businesses that invest in AI today are setting themselves up for long-term success. AI is not just a buzzword — it’s transforming industries by automating routine tasks and offering deeper insights into customer behaviour and operational efficiency. - Data is the Foundation of AI
Before jumping into AI, businesses need to ensure they have solid data management strategies in place. Accurate, clean, and accessible data is critical to getting the most out of AI technologies.
- AI for Customer Segmentation
A standout use case discussed during the session was AI-powered customer segmentation. By analysing customer behaviour, businesses can personalise their offerings and improve engagement, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. - Compliance Automation
AI can help businesses streamline compliance processes, such as governance, risk, and contract reviews. Automating these time-consuming tasks not only boosts productivity but also reduces human error. - Workforce Readiness is Key
As AI adoption grows, so does the need for a skilled workforce. Upskilling employees in AI and data literacy is essential to stay competitive. Employers must focus on developing both technical and soft skills to navigate this new era. - Legislation and Data Privacy
The conversation around AI must also consider data privacy and regulation. Businesses need to be mindful of GDPR and other regulatory frameworks as they implement AI systems that process and analyse personal data. - Collaboration with Experts
Many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), may not have in-house AI expertise. Partnering with experts in AI and data management can help bridge the gap and accelerate the adoption of these technologies.
The Future of AI in Business
One of the core messages from the event was that AI is not a future consideration — it’s a present reality. Businesses that embrace AI today, alongside robust data management strategies, will have a significant competitive advantage in the coming years.
Joe Evans concluded the event by reiterating the importance of continuous learning and collaboration. He also announced plans for follow-up workshops and focus groups to dive deeper into specific AI and data management challenges faced by businesses, providing a collaborative space for industry leaders to share their experiences and strategies.
If your business is ready to explore AI’s potential, we offer tailored AI services, from strategy and consulting to integration and ongoing management. Our expert team ensures seamless AI adoption, helping businesses across various industries transform operations, automate tasks, and enhance decision-making. Visit our AI Services page to learn how we can help you harness the power of AI today.
