Redefining Skills, Roles and KPIs for Tech Integration and AI

Disruptive technologies like AI are rapidly transforming industries, and businesses must strategically integrate them to thrive, but simply adopting these advancements is not enough. Companies need to meticulously orchestrate their implementation, ensuring all departments–from marketing to finance–are aligned. Industry experts at MTF 2024 outline how to achieve this strategic alignment, focusing on aligning functions and KPIs for optimal utilization of disruptive technologies.

"The pandemic has precipitated a fundamental shift in our business operations, compelling us to embrace heightened digitalization, a trajectory we were already navigating. However, the circumstances have accelerated this process significantly," says Leonardo Vásquez, HR Director, ACH Foods Mexico.

Wharton Online highlights, an overwhelming 86% of CEOs recognize AI as mainstream, with top businesses continually investing in it. However, the effective integration of these technologies relies on factors beyond technical expertise. According to LinkedIn, at the heart of this endeavor lies strategic alignment–the art of synchronizing the goals, processes, and key performance indicators (KPIs) across all organizational functions.

Achieving this alignment requires a comprehensive understanding of both the existing business landscape and the potential impact of disruptive technologies. Organizations must carefully evaluate how the chosen technologies can enhance or transform current business processes to deliver greater value and efficiency. 

MIT Sloan Management Review highlights that companies utilizing AI to share KPIs across functions are five times more likely to witness improved strategic alignment. This transparency fosters a shared understanding of goals and facilitates collaboration, essential for navigating the complexities of disruptive technology.

Already, the utilization of AI and indicators is advancing rapidly. Beyond technical applications, AI is also making inroads into commercial teams, according to Miguel de Apellaniz, VP SS Latam - Head of Mexico, Argentina & Chile, Wellhub. However, while AI-powered tools like Chat GPT offer remarkable capabilities, concerns about data ownership and privacy underscore the importance of careful consideration in their implementation, according to Fernando Rosales Morales, General Manager, BACO S.A. “The adoption curve for AI has surged dramatically, with the technology transitioning from a future prospect to a present reality,” said Rosales. Businesses must not lag but instead focus on leveraging AI effectively, starting with their human capital, he explained.

This evolving landscape demands the emergence of new roles and skills within organizations, with data science emerging as a prominent career path. Professionals in this field are equipped to model data and derive insights crucial for strategic decision-making, as explained by Rosales. Additionally, adaptability to change becomes paramount, particularly in commercial profiles tasked with seamlessly integrating new tools, as noted by Apellaniz. “Collaboration between the HR and IT departments becomes essential in nurturing talent and updating the skill sets required to navigate this transformation effectively,” said Rosales.

To effectively navigate this transformation, several factors are crucial. For example, diversity, particularly cultural diversity, assumes paramount importance as global processes become standard practice, according to Apelaniz. Sensitizing employees to the evolving needs of the business cultivates resilience, a critical skill acquired during the pandemic, said Rosales. Thriving in this new landscape depends on the organization's ability to embrace change and leverage diversity as a competitive advantage.

As organizational changes unfold rapidly, companies should foster a culture of listening and effective communication, according to the experts. Understanding the 'why' behind changes and their impact is as crucial as communicating the changes themselves, explained Apellaniz. Learning from mistakes becomes imperative, with companies encouraged to iterate quickly and align technology adoption with clear business objectives. Building trust and providing adequate training are pivotal steps for companies to navigate technological shifts, ensuring their survival and success, according to Rosales.