Turning AI and Innovation Into Real Business Value

Technology is one of the most important tools for improving efficiency in businesses. IoT and AI solutions have the potential to add significant value for companies and their employees. Implementing comprehensive ecosystems that consider specific needs and tailored technological solutions is the key to the future.

Elías Puente, Latin America Industrial Sector Leader, IBM, highlights the unprecedented speed, reach, and scalability of generative AI's impact. According to him, generative AI has the potential to increase global GDP by 7%. This transformation is reshaping traditional work models, boosting productivity beyond conventional methods.

"The way we work has changed. The 'new model' leverages productivity beyond the traditional framework," says Puente. IBM envisions the use of technology to replace many tasks currently performed by humans across the value chain, not necessarily through robotics but through a much broader technological approach.

Around 76% of companies plan to implement AI/ML in their projects over the next three years. “If you are not adopting technology, you are falling behind and losing competitiveness," Puente warns. The most sought-after innovations by CEOs are AI and IoT, as these technologies streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency.

Additionally, IBM is also focusing on creating digital workers through AI integration. "We use our technology to transform companies, making them more efficient and improving workflows. Digital workers shorten processing times by simulating human behavior and orchestrating human-machine interactions," Puente explains. The goal is to reshape the traditional work pyramid into a diamond-shaped structure, where technology handles repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities.

"Our objective is to prepare people to use technology effectively. Through our Skill Build program, we aim to train 20 million people by 2030, with 2 million specifically trained in AI by 2025," Puente states. This initiative ensures that individuals can access free, open, and simple training, benefiting both businesses and workers.

According to IBM, the first point of contact in any business environment should be technology. However, Puente emphasizes the importance of selecting the right technology for each business component, as generative AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The goal is to automate workflows as much as possible, with human intervention reserved for critical decision-making.

"Technology can reduce energy consumption by 30% and significantly improve operations. In business risk management, its implementation can lower risks by 30% to 40%. It is not an estimate, we have already done this," Puente notes. Moreover, AI-driven training programs enable large-scale workforce upskilling, tailored to specific job roles.

IBM encourages companies to explore, analyze, and evaluate how technology can transform their operations and address challenges such as nearshoring. The company’s commitment to technological efficiency is also reflected internally. Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO, IBM, pledged US$2 billion annually in savings through AI, improving the company's efficiency. The result exceeded expectations, yielding US$3 billion in cost savings. This demonstrates the real business value of AI and innovation when strategically implemented.