Brett Fraser, Director of Automation, Booz Allen Hamilton, talks about the best ways to use and deploy data to stay ahead. He also dispenses some very sensible advice on cyber security and AI. Read on to learn more about data-driven decision models, Big Data, advanced analytics, etc.
Data analytics is a significant component of all data driven decision models currently in use. How can a CTO ensure that the insights provided by data analytical tools are – a) meaningful in the process of decision making, and b) accurate?
Data trust, or lack thereof, is a popular trend. We used to strive to understand what data we had and interpret the results through standard reporting. With advances in RPA, advanced analytics and micro service architectures, we are now able to understand what our data is telling us through predictive and projective reporting. However, there is data bias and lack of trust due to the ready and constant data streams available to us now. CTOs should trust that they’ve hired the right resources to interpret the data and report correctly.
What are the challenges that CTOs typically face while working with Big Data? How can they overcome these challenges?
Data trust, as mentioned above. Also, we now have an abundance of data from multiple sources. CTOs used to be responsible for making the decisions regarding the path forward based on standard data sets. With the advanced analytics we’re capable of driving with the current toolset, CTOs are responsible for much larger decisions. Many CTOs may still be managing by safe standards instead of pushing into advanced trend analytics and machine or deep learning capabilities to push those data boundaries.
Often high value data points are hidden or scattered across sets of unstructured data. The inability to analyze unstructured data leads to the loss of this valuable information. How should CTOs approach unstructured data analysis for optimization?
Unstructured data is an opportunity to leverage machine learning, RPA or other technologies to standardize those data sets. Unstructured data can no longer be an excuse.
Over 160,000 cyber attacks were reported in 2017. Businesses have become targets for ransomware attacks, data thefts and data breaches (even from within the organization). What measures should be taken by CTOs to safeguard their IT assets from such attacks?
What about the countless cyber-attacks that weren’t reported in 2017? Cyber security is a method and not a tool. All aspects of security must be enriched and enforced to best protect the organization. The interesting thing about this type of battle has me thinking that it’s no longer the side that has the strongest hacker, but the side that has the strongest algorithm is the one that wins. Cyber security is now beyond the human level. CTOs should ensure their methods are solid and fully enforced. Communication at all levels is the key. Advances to thwart, prevent and secure should be embraced.
How is AI contributing to the decision-making process of an organization? What key points should CTOs or CIOs bear in mind while choosing an AI-based decision-making tool?
AI is in its infancy, as far as intellect and insight go. An AI-based decision-making tool would be nothing more than an “if, then, else, and†decision engine relying on data, decision variables and programming. Currently, humans are still best at making business decisions. AI, in its current state, is best suited for speeding up customer interactions, serving more clients expertly on a much larger scale, providing a quicker personalized experience, providing real-time data and helping prevent fraud. These are all aspects of customer experience (CX), so if CTOs or CIOs are concerned with their CX factor, they should embrace AI now.
Booz Allen Hamilton has recently partnered up with UiPath to drive process efficiencies in the public sector. Tell us a little about this venture.
The UiPath technology has the potential to drastically improve the ways we work, from enhancing employee operations to improving user experiences. We are proud to partner with one of the RPA market leaders to usher in a new work paradigm and ultimately deliver the experiences our citizens deserve.
What are some fundamental missteps that CTOs make in managing their IT assets? How can they avoid making these missteps?
Up to 90% of all standard IT asset issues can be mitigated through the use of RPA. If a CTO has less than 90% automation across their infrastructure management, they are not doing enough to stabilize and solidify their networks. We used to measure IT success based on the five 9’s. Currently the five 9’s are taken for granted as 100% uptime is expected.
About Brett Fraser:
Brett is the automation leader for Booz Allen, where he applies his expertise to expand the firm’s automation offering and strengthen the artificial intelligence presence within the technology industry and defense and civil government clients. Brett develops and drives the technology market strategy, coordinates the day-to-day activities of the automation service offering, and collaborates across the firm.
About Booz Allen Hamilton:
For more than 100 years, business, government, and military leaders have turned to Booz Allen Hamilton to solve their most complex problems. They solve the most difficult management and technology problems through a combination of consulting, analytics, digital solutions, engineering, and cyber expertise. With global headquarters in McLean, Virginia, the firm employs approximately 24,700 people and had a revenue of $5.80 billion for the 12 months ending March 31, 2017.