Man or machine: What role do we play in the digital transformation?
In recent years, the digital transformation has brought about significant changes in almost all areas of life. It has created a world in which robots perform monotonous tasks faster and more error-free than humans, and in which artificial intelligence (AI) can do things that until recently only humans were capable of. So what role do we humans play in the digital world and what challenges and opportunities does this present? This is precisely the question we addressed at our event "Let's go digital. Together" with guests such as keynote speaker Nahed Hatahet, Georg Katzlinger-Söllradl from TGW Logistics, Gerold Breuer from EREMA group, FH lecturer and Visiomedia managing director Markus Eiselsberg and presono co-founder Hannes Freudenthaler. We would like to share the most important findings and lessons learned with you in this blog post.
In today's digital world, we encounter artificial intelligence and algorithms in almost every situation in life. However, we are no longer only supported by our virtual helpers when searching the Internet or navigating through a city - in the meantime, algorithms can, for example, make accurate medical diagnoses and neuronal networks can provide precise information about the maintenance status of heavy machinery. Consequently, well-trained people are currently experiencing how intelligent systems are catching up with them or even surpassing them. Many are therefore now asking themselves what role they will play in the digital (working) world in the future and whether their skills will continue to be in demand.
Transformation expert Nahed Hatahet gave a clear answer in his keynote speech at our event "Let's go digital. Together." event at the #glaubandich Startrampe of Sparkasse Oberösterreich, Nahed Hatahet gave a clear answer: "People are at the center of digital transformation. Algorithms are coming, people are staying." However, in order for technological change to proceed entirely along these lines, a number of challenges must be met and opportunities seized.
How digital transformation is testing us humans and how we can minimize fears
Technological change is nothing new in itself. What is new, however, is the speed with which the world is changing. Not only do business models change, but also power structures and markets within a very short time. These changes not only put entire companies to the test, but above all managers and employees. Questions such as "What will jobs look like in the future?" and "What skills and competencies will still be needed in the future?" trigger stress and uncertainty. So how can we best deal with digital transformation to minimize anxiety and generate optimal benefits? Below we have summarized the input from our event discussion panel with Nahed Hatahet, Georg Katzlinger-Söllradl from TGW Logistics, Gerold Breuer from EREMA group, Visiomedia CEO Markus Eiselsberg and presono co-founder and andmetics CEO Hannes Freudenthaler:
- Building trust: Trust is the foundation of every relationship - and that includes in the context of digital tools. To alleviate employees' fears and make it easier for them to use digital tools, they should be involved in the process at an early stage. It is important that users understand how the tools work and what concrete benefits they bring to their work. Transparency, clear communication and extensive training are the decisive factors here - because only when employees can weigh up the risks and recognize what opportunities exist will they be able to grasp the benefits of digital tools and feel more confident in using them.
- Promoting flexibility: Digital transformation requires a high degree of flexibility from employees and companies. The willingness to embrace new technologies and ways of working is a crucial factor here. Consequently, a free working culture should be created that supports change, promotes creativity and encourages employees to explore new paths.
- Obtain feedback: Digital transformation is an ongoing process that requires continuous adaptation. Feedback from employees and customers can help to continuously improve the use of digital tools and new technologies and adapt them to the needs and requirements of all stakeholders. Important: Consider in advance how you can use the feedback to achieve an optimal result and create a plan for implementation.
- Maximize benefits: Digital tools can provide many benefits, but only if they are used correctly. It is therefore important to take time to learn about the tools and understand how they can best be used. For example, education should be provided on what data is being processed and how employees can effectively use their own data to gain the maximum benefit for themselves and the company. Furthermore, care should be taken to ensure that all newly generated information is used wisely to gain insights and optimize processes.
- Regulate handling: Fear of the unknown is a natural reaction, and the introduction of artificial intelligence and digital tools can cause anxiety for many people. Clear regulation is needed to ensure that technology is used responsibly and that people's safety is not compromised.
- Establish continuing education: New technologies and knowledge are emerging at ever shorter intervals, which requires new skills in the workforce on an ongoing basis. In order to remain fit for work and the labor market in the future, permanent further training processes should be integrated into everyday working life.
We have summarized how to successfully introduce a new digital tool in the company and how to achieve the goal quickly, safely and sustainably in our Pizza Model - a comprehensive project management guide! Interested? Read more here and feel free to contact us for the complete package: info@presono.com
What opportunities arise from the use of AI and digital tools?
The use of artificial intelligence holds numerous opportunities that need to be recognized and exploited. For example, AI systems and intelligent algorithms can help not only in the analysis of large volumes of data, but also in the diagnosis of diseases, in the predictive maintenance of large machines, or in the evaluation of customer needs and interests. In this context, it is up to us to shape the digital transformation in such a way that we benefit from it.
Tip from our panel: Identify (repetitive) tasks that can best be handled by digital tools and algorithms and those that require human expertise. Consider how you can combine these two aspects to achieve the best possible results. Because at the end of the day, it's about us humans and how we can use technology so that we can use it to make our lives and those of future generations a little bit better.
With this in mind, we have summarized the highlights of our marketing and sales event "Let's go digital. Together." for you. Click through and don't hesitate to contact us for further insights on this topic. We look forward to an exciting exchange!