Yesterday, in an exciting business discussion, I was asked a question that got me thinking: “Do we really need to involve our internal IT team in every AI project, or are we just adding extra headaches?” I answered on the spot, but the whole drive home made me wonder if I’d given a good answer or promptly verbalized my thoughts. Was it the right call for the company or just for me?
Here’s the gist of the dilemma: An AI expert offered to apply their solution to our daily operations. When we suggested involving IT, the expert said, “Nah, they’ll just slow things down. We’re only talking about business processes here.”
This is where things get tricky, and honestly, many companies are wrestling with the question: Should IT be at the heart of our AI journey, or will it just be a roadblock, or a supporter at best?
In my opinion, it’s not even a question. We absolutely need our IT team involved. Yes, business leaders can be cheerleaders for AI and get everyone excited about the possibilities. But IT? They’re the (equally business leaders) ones who understand the nuts and bolts, the stuff under the hood. They know how our systems talk to each other (or don’t!), where the data gremlins hide, and how to keep everything secure. They see if any new tech fits the company’s long-term strategy or creates a Frankenstein.
Thinking IT is just some unnecessary extra step when it comes to AI is a huge mistake. It’s like saying you can build a house without a foundation. IT isn’t just there to fix our printer jams; they’re a strategic partner. They’re the ones who can make sure our AI solutions are built to last and scale with the company, are secure, and play nice with our existing systems. Without them, we’re setting ourselves up for many isolated AI projects that might look shiny at first but will ultimately become a nightmare. Or worse – the broader it is, the more, first, unnoticed harm it can generate.
Does anyone here still remember those great Access databases that were left unattended after their creators left, and what impact did they have?
It’s all about teamwork. When it comes to AI, business leaders and their IT business partners need to collaborate. That’s how we ensure that AI isn’t just another flashy trend and buzzword but a real game-changer that helps us grow and innovate. It’s how we ensure that it has a lasting and positive impact.
How would you answer this question?
