Entering new spheres of data analytics

The Expedition Begins

The countdown is underway. The engines of our state-of-the-art spacecraft vibrate with immense power, ready to propel us into the universe's secrets. Through the command bridge's window, you can see the shining starry sea breaking through the dark expanses of space. The final seconds tick away, and a tense anticipation fills the air. Your heart beats faster, each breath grows heavier with excitement. Suddenly, you feel the acceleration pressing you deep into your seat as the spaceship departs into the vastness of the cosmos. Before you, unfamiliar galaxies unfold with alien planets and majestic nebulae that are both breathtaking and intimidating. As the spaceship pushes further into the darkness of space, the journey reminds you of the transformative mission we have undertaken with Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Revolution through Technology

AI challenges us to transcend the boundaries of possibility and stands at the center of a technological revolution redefining our understanding of work, efficiency, and innovation. Technological progress seems like a comet flying past us at supersonic speed, with all innovations and opportunities barely perceptible to the naked eye. Many companies venture into the uncharted territory of digital transformation, driven by the immense power and potential promise of AI. This journey is revolutionizing value chains and challenging traditional mindsets.

Yet, like any revolutionary technology, we must critically assess the supporting systems. They currently serve primarily as tools and do not replace the creative problem-solving of the human mind. These systems help recognize hidden patterns in the vastness of information and navigate safely through metaphorical magnetic fields and unknown currents of our data landscapes. This dynamic journey opens new horizons and has the potential to fundamentally change our reality by further developing it for our purposes. For here lies the hidden treasure: the tangible usability and commercial exploitation of new opportunities.

Risks of Foreign Territories

As our spaceship maneuvers through the infinite reaches of the cosmos, we encounter sharp-edged rocks that resemble the minefield in the Mutara Nebulae. The asteroid fields symbolize the complex challenges associated with AI—data protection, job security, sustainability, and ethical dilemmas of autonomous decision-making. Each of these rocks represents a discourse that must be conducted, a challenge that must be mastered. But the greatest threat lies in the Black Holes—invisible giants that devour anything approaching them. In the world of AI, these Black Holes are none other than the fundamental functionality of publicly accessible AI: everything entered into a knowledge base becomes part of it. Suddenly, unexpectedly, and without warning, these Black Holes can draw companies into a whirlpool of problems without navigation.

// Data Protection: Personal data such as names, images, movements, speech flow, tone, or similar can be used for deepfakes, opening doors to identity theft or disinformation campaigns. Copyright is also a fragile issue when using generative AI.

// Job Security: The technology presents a disruption in knowledge professions—for example, Klarna already replaced 700 full-time positions with AI in 2022. 1

// Sustainability: The use of AI chips and servers consumes a significant amount of energy.

Following current trends, using 1.5 million AI servers at full capacity in 2027 could consume 85.4 terawatt-hours of energy annually, exemplified by the giant Nvidia. 2

// Ethical Dilemmas of Autonomous Decisions: Existing data can often contain stereotypes and unconscious biases, leading to discrimination. A lack of control over the data set and insufficient transparency about the workings of AI models pose significant risks.

Therefore, AI requires careful and responsible integration into our business processes, with comprehensive creation of restrictions and guidelines to maximize potential gains while minimizing associated risks. By critically assessing and consciously integrating AI, we can harness the opportunities of this groundbreaking technology without losing sight of the challenges. In doing so, we ensure that our journey into the digital expanses is not only successful but also sustainable and responsible. Building expertise is essential to avoid losing connection and drifting in the depths of space.

Sources:

1 https://t3n.de/news/klarna-ki-angestellte-1610657/

2 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-ai-boom-could-use-a-shocking-amount-of-electricity/

The IBIS Navigation Crew on Galactic Process Landscapes

A profound example of integrating AI into business processes is the use of advanced technologies such as Machine Learning (ML) to improve data analysis capabilities and enhance business process efficiency.

IBIS Prof. Thome AG from Würzburg has been globally renowned for 30 years for safely guiding companies through the unknown expanses of SAP systems with highly advanced analytics. The company develops methods and tools that enable other companies to recognize patterns and trends in large data sets and make informed decisions.

The data-driven system and process analyses resemble the precise onboard computer of a spaceship. This comprehensive, rule-based system contains a vast library of business and technical key figures, allowing precise analysis and optimization of the course. The bold IBIS navigation crew has ventured fearlessly into the AI universe, equipped with impressive means.

Let's take a closer look at this courageous navigation crew, which uses its analytical acumen to traverse and explore the extensive landscapes of SAP systems and their business processes:

When deploying AI in process analytics and Process Mining, IBIS compares processes and their attributes against an existing business reference model. This not only saves the detailed construction of an entirely new, individual model, as in a workflow model, to be much more cost-efficient and quicker, but it also massively supports insight discovery. Through machine learning, content relationships between business objects are automated. The dynamic visualization of process landscapes makes data easy to understand and represent. Thus, companies can detect anomalies, such as increased cancellation rates in a particular country or frequent process changes in certain areas. Continuous monitoring and optimization of corporate systems ensure maximum efficiency and security.

Another exemplary use of pattern recognition in data analytics lies in the field of ESG and sustainability reporting. Machine learning is particularly crucial in Carbon Accounting. For reporting, meaningful data is necessary. Often, material numbers are not maintained, and fuels are not identifiable as such in the underlying systems. By classifying various existing characteristics (like description and behavior), it is possible to identify necessary consumption data from the systems. This promises significant relief in compliance with EU regulations.

Important Communication with Your Own Co-Pilot

AI does not transform the world on its own—it lacks self-awareness—but humans must still make their essential contribution to shape the future. Not only is communication with its own AI co-pilot on the spaceship of fundamental importance, but also understanding its field of application. AI is a helpful and useful assistant on this journey, reforming the working world fundamentally with it. Business processes that previously took an eternity can now be automated with AI, allowing room for technological innovations.

Isaac Newton once said, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." We build on the achievements of the past, but we must also take responsibility and make the right choices. It is not enough to blindly rely on technology; we must actively engage and purposefully use the AI. When we see AI as a supporter, it can help us respond to market changes more quickly and effectively. Because even the spaceship with our crew must withstand unexpected cosmic phenomena and execute agile maneuvers to avoid obstacles such as radiation storms.

Opportunities through Adaptation and Transformation

The ongoing journey highlights that AI is a transformative force reshaping traditional work methodologies. Consistent integration and application of innovative technologies enable a leading role in the digital transformation. AI revolutionizes business process management, enhancing efficiency in customer service and supporting the development of innovative products. This technology allows for process optimization and faster implementation of new ideas. Nevertheless, this transformation is not without challenges. Despite the significant potential of AI for increasing efficiency and promoting innovation, we must also carefully weigh the associated risks and ethical concerns. Issues of data protection, copyright, job security, sustainability, and ethical implications of autonomous decision-making are key points that must continue to be thoroughly discussed. In addition, AI integration is often associated with high initial investments and a need for ongoing training to ensure that employees keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies. This journey is more than just a technological shift; it represents an ongoing adventure into the depths of the digital and cognitive revolution. As we move towards a promising future, it is critical that we carefully consider the ethical, social, and economic aspects of AI. Our future may be as bright as the stars, but it is crucial that we handle Artificial Intelligence responsibly as the key to innovation and sustained success.