Category Archives: Tech

A Simple Guide to Understanding Artificial Intelligence

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Artificial Intelligence, or AI, often feels like something out of a science fiction movie. But in reality, it’s all around us and has been in a some sort of form for a few decades. It touches our everyday lives in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. In this post, I will try to demystify AI and explore what it really is, how it works, and why it matters to you.

What is AI?
AI is about creating machines or software that can perform a range of tasks typically requiring human intelligence. These tasks might include understanding language, recognizing patterns, making decisions, or learning from experience.

Types of AI
AI comes in various flavors, but I will focus on two main types:

  • Narrow AI: This is AI designed for a specific task. Here we can think of virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa, or recommendation algorithms on Netflix or Spotify, or even the software that powers self-driving cars like Tesla. It’s very good at what it does but can’t do anything else.
  • General AI: This is the kind of AI that you see in movies – a system that can understand and perform any number of intellectual tasks as good as a human can.

How does AI work?
AI uses techniques from fields like computer science, mathematics, and neuroscience. Here’s a simple way to think about it:

  • Data: AI systems need a an enormous amount of data to learn from. This data can come from text, images, videos, or other sources.
  • Algorithms: These are the rules or steps that tell the AI how to process the data provided. One common type is machine learning, where the AI system “learns” patterns from data to make predictions or decisions.
  • Training and Testing: AI systems are trained on a portion of the data to understand patterns. Then they are tested with new data to see how well they perform. This process helps improve their accuracy.

Why does AI matter?
AI is much more than just a cool tech trend as it has real-world implications. It can help doctors diagnose diseases, make cars safer, personalize education, and even help to combat climate change. At the same time, AI raises questions about privacy, job displacement, and ethical use. As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, it is crucial to understand its impact.

What is next for AI?
Even with all the recent developments, the future of AI holds very exciting possibilities.
We will see more advanced AI in healthcare, personalized experiences in entertainment and gaming, and smarter systems in our cities. But it’s also a future that requires careful thought and responsible development to ensure AI benefits everyone.

In short, AI is a powerful tool with the potential to change our world. By understanding what it is and how it works, you can better navigate the AI-driven future ahead.

AI and what is to come

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There has been a lot of buzz and hype about Artificial Intelligence (AI), but what exactly is it and is it really all that it is made out to be.

Lets start by looking into what AI actually is. Artificial intelligence is a simulation of human intelligence in machines that are specially programmed to think like humans and even mimic their actions. The AI term may also be used to describe a machine that displays human like traits such as learning and problem-solving.

There are three basic AI concepts: machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks and AI is currently being used in a number of areas such as.

  • Maps and Navigation. For voice assistants and self-driving cars
  • Facial Detection and Recognition for security related situations
  • Text Editors or Autocorrect.
  • Search and Recommendation Algorithms.
  • Chatbots.
  • Digital Assistants.
  • Social Media.
  • E-Payments.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) could help to do the following.

  • Promote creativity.
  • Help disease diagnosis
  • Achieve general intelligence.
  • Encourage social Intelligence.
  • Develop problem-solving ability.
  • Incorporate knowledge representation.
  • Promote synergy between humans and AI.
  • Facilitate planning.
  • Allow and improve continuous learning.

Is AI good or bad? This is one of the questions being asked. This article from Forbes tries to address this.

Another question addressed here is what will be the impact of AI on society?

I will be delving deeper into the topic of whether AI will replace humans in my next post.

 

The Role of IT Management in Driving Business Innovation

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IT departments play a key role in fostering a culture of innovation and providing the tools and resources needed to turn ideas into reality. This blog post will delve into the multifaceted role of IT management in driving business innovation.

Beyond Keeping the Lights On: IT as a Strategic Partner

Traditionally, IT was viewed as a support function, responsible for maintaining infrastructure and keeping systems operational. However, forward-thinking IT management recognizes the immense potential of technology to drive innovation across all areas of the business.

Here are some ways how IT management can champion innovation:

  • Understanding Business Needs: IT managers that collaborate closely with other departments will understand their challenges and identify opportunities where technology can create a competitive advantage.
  • Embracing Emerging Technologies: IT stays ahead of the curve by evaluating and implementing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and big data analytics to streamline processes and unlock new possibilities.
  • Investing in the Right Tools: IT procures and manages the necessary hardware, software, and cloud-based solutions that empower employees to be more productive and creative.
  • Promoting Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: IT facilitates communication and collaboration within and across teams by implementing collaboration platforms and knowledge-sharing tools.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: IT provides access to data analytics tools that enable data-driven decision making, allowing businesses to make informed choices and adapt to changing market trends.

Cultivating a Culture of Innovation: Lighting the Spark

IT management can play a proactive role in fostering a culture of innovation within the organization:

  • Encouraging Experimentation: Create a safe space for employees to experiment with new ideas, even if they don’t always lead to immediate success.
  • Hackathons & Innovation Challenges: Organize hackathons or innovation challenges to encourage employees to think outside the box and develop creative solutions.
  • Recognition & Reward: Recognize and reward employees who contribute to innovation efforts, creating a culture that values creativity and problem-solving.
  • Training & Development: Provide training and development opportunities on emerging technologies to equip employees with the skills needed to innovate.

Modern Tools for Innovation Management

Several modern tools can empower IT to facilitate and manage innovation:

  • Idea Management Platforms: These platforms can provide a central hub for capturing, refining, and collaborating on innovative ideas.
  • Project Management Software: Manage innovation projects effectively with tools that track progress, assign tasks, and facilitate communication.
  • Data Visualization Tools: Make data accessible and understandable with data visualization tools, enabling data-driven innovation efforts.
  • Collaboration Platforms: Promote interaction and knowledge sharing among teams working on innovation projects.

Inspiring Your Team: The Power of Motivation

Motivating your team is essential for sustained innovation. Here are some tips:

  • Lead by Example: Demonstrate your own commitment to innovation and be open to new ideas.
  • Provide Clear Vision & Goals: Articulate a clear vision for how innovation will benefit the organization and set achievable goals.
  • Empower & Trust: Empower your team to take ownership of their ideas and trust them to experiment and solve problems creatively.
  • Celebrate Successes: Recognize and celebrate both big and small wins to keep your team motivated and engaged in innovation efforts.

By embracing a strategic approach to IT management and fostering a culture of innovation, IT departments can become a driving force for business success.

Remember, innovation is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous process that requires ongoing effort and collaboration.

Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) replace Humans?

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There is a lot of discussion now about how or when AI will replace Humans. Well if we take a step back and review the chain of events over the decades, we will remember that Technology replacing certain humans in jobs is nothing new.

First let us review the history.

Industrial Revolution – 1760

This was when technology started replacing manual human labour. Machines started replacing some tasks in agriculture, manufacturing and skilled crafts like hand weaving.

Office Automation and Computers – Mid 1900s

Advancements of mainframe and personal computers in offices started automating clerical and repetitive tasks.

Post World War 2 – 1945 to 1980

Major developments in farm technologies replaced manual human labour with significant agricultural changes.

Modern Robotics and Automation – 1950s to Present Day

Starting with the first programmable arms, followed by advancements in AI and computer technology then the rise of machine learning.

With advancements come changes and these changes should be seen as progress. Just like with the Internet, we should all embrace AI and the changes that come with it. This article from 2016 looked at where machines could and couldn’t replace humans.

AI will be perfect for the repetitive tasks which would free people to work on strategic problem solving activities. Just like Doctors experienced with voice dictation helping to reduce reporting time.

Another article, this time from HBR describes how we should see it. AI should be seen as augmenting not replacing humans. There are many things that AI cannot do, well currently anyway. AI lacks social skills and adaptability to be able to replace humans in areas requiring empathy or interaction.

We should all pay attention to AI developments and see how we can “adjust and retrain” accordingly to the new world.

The Power Duo: IT Project Managers and Product Managers in Action

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The seamless execution of projects and the successful delivery of products are paramount. But who are two of the key players behind these achievements? Enter the IT Project Manager and the Product Manager, two roles that, while distinct, are intricately linked in driving innovation and success.

The Dynamic Duo: IT Project Manager vs. Product Manager

Try to imagine a world where projects run smoothly, on time, and within budget, while products perfectly meet market demands and customer expectations. This is the world that IT Project Managers and Product Managers strive to create. Though their responsibilities differ, their collaboration is sometimes essential in order to turn visions into reality.

Roles and Responsibilities

IT Project Manager:

  • Primary Focus: Ensures projects are executed within a defined scope, timeline, and budget.
  • Responsibilities: Includes planning, scheduling, resource allocation, change and risk management to deliver quality project outcomes.
  • Typical Day: Involves coordinating with team members, tracking progress, managing budgets, and resolving issues to align with project goals.

Product Manager:

  • Primary Focus: Defines the product vision, strategy, and roadmap to meet market needs and business objectives.
  • Responsibilities: Conducts market research, analyzes customer needs, prioritizes features, and manages the product lifecycle.
  • Typical Day: Engages with customers and stakeholders, defines product requirements, collaborates with teams, and monitors product performance.

Background and Experience

IT Project Manager:

  • Experience: Real-world experience is crucial, often gained through roles such as project coordinator or team lead. This hands-on experience allows IT Project Managers to understand the intricacies of project execution, stakeholder management, and risk mitigation. Working on diverse projects enhances their ability to anticipate challenges and devise effective solutions.
  • Certifications: While not mandatory, certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP), Prince2 and Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) can enhance a manager’s credentials and demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

Product Manager:

  • Experience: Product Managers often come from varied backgrounds, including engineering, marketing, or sales, which enriches their perspective on product development. Real-world experience in roles such as Product Owner or Associate Product Manager is invaluable, as it provides insights into customer needs, market dynamics, and product lifecycle management. This experience helps them craft strategies that align with business goals and customer expectations.
  • Certifications: Although not essential, product management certifications can be beneficial in refining skills and understanding industry best practices.

Team Composition and Skillsets

IT Project Manager’s Team:

  • Includes project coordinators, engineers, SME’s and quality assurance testers.
  • Skillsets: Project management, risk assessment, budgeting, and scheduling.

Product Manager’s Team:

  • Comprises designers, developers, marketing professionals, and sales teams.
  • Skillsets: Market analysis, strategic planning, user experience design, and product lifecycle management.

Documentation

IT Project Manager:

  • Utilizes project plans, Gantt charts, risk management plans, and status reports to track and communicate progress.

Product Manager:

  • Employs product roadmaps, market analysis reports, user personas, and feature specifications to guide development.

Desired End Goals and Success Metrics

IT Project Manager:

  • End Goal: Complete projects on time, within budget, and to pre-defined quality standards.
  • Success Metrics: Timeliness, budget adherence, stakeholder satisfaction, and quality of deliverables.

Product Manager:

  • End Goal: Deliver products that meet customer needs and achieve business objectives.
  • Success Metrics: Market share, customer satisfaction, product adoption rates, and revenue generation.

Stakeholder Roles

IT Project Manager:

  • Stakeholders include project sponsors, team members, and external vendors, providing resources and ensuring project alignment.

Product Manager:

  • Stakeholders include customers, marketing teams, sales teams, and executives, offering insights into customer needs and market trends.

Overlap and Collaboration

Overlap:

  • Both roles require strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. They work together to ensure product vision aligns with project execution.

Collaboration:

  • Product Managers set the strategic vision and requirements, while Project Managers translate these into actionable plans and ensure timely delivery.
  • Effective collaboration involves regular sync meetings, shared documentation, and cross-functional team efforts.

Supporting Each Other:

  • Product Managers rely on Project Managers for logistical execution, while Project Managers depend on Product Managers for clear requirements and prioritization.

Bridging Vision and Execution

In summary, IT Project Managers and Product Managers play distinct yet complementary roles in the tech industry. Their collaboration is vital for successful product development and project execution. By supporting each other through clear communication and shared goals, they drive organizational success and innovation.

Choosing an ERP System

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I was asked today about what makes one ERP different from the other and what to take into consideration when selecting a system.

 

 

 

Finding the perfect Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can feel overwhelming. This post post breaks down some of the top contenders, focusing on their key features, ease of implementation, and potential challenges.

Top ERP Systems Compared:

  • Oracle Fusion: A powerhouse with features spanning finance, HR, supply chain, and more. It boasts advanced analytics and customization, but be prepared for potentially complex implementation requiring skilled teams.

  • Infor ERP: Industry-specific solutions are their specialty (like manufacturing and healthcare). They offer strong analytics, user-friendly interfaces, and cloud or on-premise options. Implementation ease can vary depending on the level of customization needed.

  • NetSuite: This comprehensive cloud solution offers features for financials, CRM, and e-commerce. Expect real-time data and scalability, but customization and integrations can extend the implementation timeline.

  • Microsoft Dynamics 365: A natural fit for those already using Microsoft products. This modular system allows customization but can get complex. The familiar interface can ease user adoption, but extensive customization can be time-consuming.

  • SAP Business One: Tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, SAP Business One offers a comprehensive suite for financials, sales, and operations. Implementation is generally moderate, but customization can add complexity.

  • Sage Intacct: Cloud-based with robust reporting, Sage Intacct shines in financial management. While scalable, it may require additional systems for full ERP functionality.

  • Epicor: Catering to manufacturing, distribution, and other sectors, Epicor offers industry-specific solutions. While these can streamline some processes, customization can add complexity to implementation.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

  • Oracle Fusion, Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite: Powerful with a wide range of features, but implementation can be complex due to customization needs.

  • Infor ERP, Epicor: Industry-specific solutions can simplify implementation, but customization can still be a challenge.

  • SAP Business One, Sage Intacct: Ideal for small to mid-sized businesses with simpler implementations, but may have limitations in scope and integration complexity.

Remember, the ideal ERP system depends on your organizational unique needs. Consider your existing IT infrastructure, the level of customization required, and the system’s flexibility and scalability. With this guide in hand, you can navigate the ERP maze and find the perfect fit for your business!

 

 

Migrating On-Premise Applications to the Cloud

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One of my current projects is to migrate some of our on-site applications to the Cloud. This is a complex process and project that involved technical, strategic and operational considerations.

I will list some steps that were taken as part of the project here as you may find them useful.

Project Scope and Goal

What is your reason for the project, cost reduction, increase in scalability or performance or security improvements?

Assessment:

  • Compile a list of all the on-premise applications.
  • Agree which applications, infrastructure and data will be migrated as part of the project. This information helped identity applications that would fall into the categories listed in the migration strategy section below.
  • Interdependencies between infrastructure and applications need to be clear
  • Consider security, compliance and regulatory factors (data privacy) as some applications may not be suited for the cloud.

Choose the Cloud Provider

We already had the decision on our Cloud provider. I will assume you have also identified your provider, if not contact me and I can provide some information you may find useful.

Migration Strategy:

  • Will your approach be lift & shift (transferring as is), re-platforming, or cloud deployment
  • Will the data need to be adjusted, transformed or cleansed as part of the move
  • How will you migrate. Incremental, real time or bulk transfer
  • How will you ensure data remains secure throughout the process
  • Have clear expectations on phases and timelines.
  • How will you test the applications and validate functionality post migration
  • What is the rollback plan if there are issues

Provision Cloud Systems and Infrastructure

  • Design the architecture, storage, network and security
  • Implement monitoring, logging and troubleshooting tools

Project Team:

  • The team will be made up if IT, any affected or relevant Business areas, Operations and Security
  • Identify all Stakeholders

Training:

  • Identify training requirements for end users and IT operational teams

System Monitoring:

  • Tools for monitoring, performance alerts, security and utilization need to be in place.
  • Operations teams may need to be re-trained.

Communication:

  • All Stakeholders need to have timelines, risks and benefits.
  • They need to be kept informed on progress, challenges and issues.

Cost Review and Management:

  • Keep a close eye on costs, you can right-size resources and manage costs effectively.
  • Cloud Provider tools like Autoscaling will help keep this in check

These are some items to consider if you are plan on moving your services to the Cloud.

How Predictive Analytics is used in Healthcare.

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I am currently working on a Predictive Analytics Project so uncovered some facts that you may find useful.

Let me start by explaining what Predictive Analytics is.

It is a field of data analytics that uses sophisticated algorithms, machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze vast amounts of data to make predictions about trends or future events.

In a healthcare setting since the institutions have access to and can use data from Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Insurance claims, they can use real-time and historical data to forecast future heath trends and patient needs which would help the organization run more efficiently.

So how exactly does Predictive Analytics benefit the institution.

Prediction or Early Detection

The models can analyze patient data, lab results and risk factors which can help to identify individuals at risk of developing specific diseases. Their providers are notified and can intervene with preventative measures.

Personalization

The models can help develop treatment plans specific to the patients needs based on the medical and genetic data.

Resource Planning

Analytics can help the organizations predict and plan for a surge in demand for specific services and develop plans to resource as required allowing for more efficient resource utilization.

Readmission Reduction

By reviewing patterns, it can be used to identify patients more likely to be readmitted. Clinicians can then intervene and implement programs to avoid this happening.

Operational Benefits

It can be used to predict systems failures, allowing the maintenance teams to address issues early.

Seems like a win win for all doesn’t it.

Are you Integrating Systems with Other Institutions…What to Look Out For.

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Are you in a position where you need to integrate your systems and infrastructure with other institutions. Have you thought through all the challenges you may encounter and how to prepare yourself and your team for what is to come.

I have listed a few items to consider as these would help you develop your plan and manage the change.

Company Vision:

  • Are there cultural differences between institutions, and if so how can this be bridged as this could lead to resistance or conflict.
  • Are there any regulatory challenges. Are the goals aligned across the institutions.

Managing Stakeholders:

  • Once identified, determine interest and level of influence within their institution.
  • Maintain regular progress updates with all.
  • Identify the executives that are always willing to help address concerns and challenges as they arise.
  • Ensure the right people (decision makers) are on the steering committee.
  • Always keep all stakeholders in the communication loop (based on the communication matrix).
  • Is management buy-in universal or are some still on the fence.
  • Try to keep all stakeholders engaged, especially if there are some that demonstrate resistance to change.

Maintaining Communication:

  • Keeping channels of communication open with all stakeholders can be cumbersome across the institutions but vital for success.
  • The key is to have regular meetings and updates with a centrally accessible document repository.

Technical Challenges:

  • Carry out a full systems assessment documenting overlaps, compatibility and migration challenges.
  • Ensure there is a clear and achievable integration plan.
  • Plan should list all systems, infrastructure, data and their dependencies.
  • Plan should be in phases based on complexity with clearly defined risks from each institution with mitigation strategies.
  • Agree on the validation, migration and testing plan always with security and compliance in mind.
  • Agree on the plan to manage vendors, reviewing and updating contracts if necessary.

Silos of Information:

  • There is often a risk of institutions hoarding information as “information is power”.
  • Silos need to be broken down by promoting the sharing of knowledge and information.

Interpersonal Friction (Politics):

  • Different working styles with conflicting personalities can hinder collaboration.
  • Could the Manager’s struggle for increased visibility and power affect the project.
  • How does ego play out and how will you manage this.
  • Relationships could be more difficult in situations where there are job security concerns post integration.

I have not listed any possible solutions here as it would depend on your circumstances. However I am happy for you to contact me if you would like to discuss or have questions..

What are some technical differences between Microsoft, AWS and Google Cloud services

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Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are major cloud computing providers, but there are some technical distinctions between them:

Services Offered:

  • All three providers offer a wide range of cloud services including compute, storage, databases, networking, and analytics.
  • AWS  has an extensive selection with over 200 services, while GCP is well known for its data analytics and machine learning strengths, Azure on the other hand excels in the integration with existing Microsoft products.

Infrastructure:

  • All three providers have global networks of data centers.
  • AWS currently has the most geographically spread data centers, while GCP focuses on high-performance network design for low latency.
  • The three providers have their on variation of virtual machine options, storage solutions, and management tools.

Pricing:

  • They all use a pay-as-you-go model, but pricing structures can differ based on resource usage and instance types.
  • GCP may have a slight edge in upfront costs for some configurations.

 

The best choice for you will clearly depend on your specific needs and priorities. However you can consider factors like.

  • Existing IT environment (balance between Microsoft vs others)
  • Applications you intend to use
  • Importance of data analytics and machine learning
  • Budgetary constraints

This list does not cover all items however I hope you still find this useful.