Weeknotes: Insulation and Silos
Social Purpose
Let’s talk about loft insulation. No, wait, don’t go — it’s relevant! I’m referring to energy efficiency and technology.
Our Friday morning catch-ups with the Golden Marzipan team invariably begin with someone bringing up an offbeat topic. This invariably sparks a lively discussion that concludes with the realisation that “there’s an app for that.”
This week, at the Housing Digital Conference in Birmingham, I saw several such apps (loft insulation, energy efficiency, safety compliance). The exhibition area showcased several innovative products: Switchee, Energy Angels, AIM, Digital Solutions, (sorry if I missed others), all offering variations of smart sensor technologies. Ironically, the exhibition was isolated on the ground floor, whilst the conference was across the second and third floors — much like how IT often feels disconnected from the rest of the office.
Data Driven
Despite discussions and proactive efforts to integrate strategy and activities, the term “silo” still pops up when things don’t go as planned.
- On data quality… IT says, “It’s the business’s responsibility.”
- When there’s a cyber risk… the business insists, “IT handles that.”
- When a system “isn’t as good as when you saw it at the conference,” both sides complain.
Artificial intelligence could be the game-changer here, as suggested by several presentations at the Housing Digital Conference.
- AI could manage half of your service desk’s workload.
- AI could take over half of your contact centre operations.
- AI could write half of your system’s code.
Business Need
Peter, my business partner, noted that those who attended the conference were very keen about AI. However, the board members and executives who attended the NHF Board Conference two weeks ago were mostly unfamiliar with AI and ChatGPT. Those who had heard of it perceived it as risky. That’s what board members do — focus on risks. At least that’s what they do in social housing.
It seems we’re stuck in our silos, waiting for a breakthrough. Technocrats can see the solutions, while decision-makers are bogged down with reactive problem management or taking hold of the narrative through new strategies and initiatives.
We (Golden Marzipan) are currently collaborating with a digitally savvy organisation. Five years ago, they heeded the call to minimise cyber risks, migrate to the cloud, and adopt user-friendly technology and equipment. These decisions now guide and constrain their approach to selecting new or replacement systems. There is friction with the business who have a new set of issues from those of five years ago.
Digital Insights
AI could significantly impact on these silos. As one speaker cleverly adapted a popular meme, “AI won’t replace your job, but someone using AI will.” And guess where they’ll be? Right in the business silo!
People will start creating mini-apps on low-code platforms, bypassing the traditional routes of business change, project management, and system development. These innovators will be embedded within the business.
Once the process is in place, the demand for data will surge, fuelled by information from smart sensors. The Excel Wizards, renowned for their pivot table magic, will evolve into AI Prompters, skilled in asking the right questions — once again, from the business side.
In this future landscape, there will be no IT department! Ha ha!
However, board members will remain — and yes, they’ll have plenty to worry about.
*A note to my colleagues: I might catch some flak for using the term “IT,” since we’ve all adopted ‘Digital’ titles. But let’s remember, I’m addressing a broader audience. If you’re still talking about IT, I’d love to hear from you.
**Every word of this blog was drafted by myself, based on conversations had and articles I had read in the past week. Once drafted I used ChatGPT to help me with spelling, grammar and readability. The photo was taken by my wife on her way home on Thursday evening.
