2928: PwC's Insights on Digital Operations and AI Integration

Are you ready to dive into the latest trends in digital operations? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I'm excited to welcome Carla DeSantis, Partner in Operations Transformation at PwC, to discuss the findings from PwC's recent Trends in Digital Operations Survey. Carla provides an in-depth look at the survey's key findings, highlighting that 69% of companies are not seeing returns on their technology investments in supply chain and operations. She explains the primary obstacles, including lack of user adoption, data quality issues, and the challenges of integrating new technology with legacy systems. Carla emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to transformation, rather than a siloed focus on individual pain points. One of the most intriguing aspects of our conversation is the discussion on AI integration. Despite nearly all respondents having some level of engagement with generative AI, only 20% report widespread use in operations and supply chain. Carla shares insights into what factors contribute to successful AI integration, stressing the need for clear use cases that augment human capabilities rather than replace them. She also addresses the common misconception of AI as a silver bullet or a tool for workforce reduction. Carla underscores the critical role of upskilling in achieving digital transformation. She advocates for reimagining training as a continuous learning journey, involving both detractors and super-users early in the process to identify and overcome adoption barriers. Her advice on balancing encouragement with accountability for technology use is particularly valuable for business leaders aiming to foster a digitally adept workforce. Looking ahead, Carla paints a picture of an evolving landscape where sustainability and regulatory considerations are becoming increasingly important. She encourages listeners to explore PwC's Digital Operations Report for industry-specific insights and practical recommendations. How is your organization navigating the complexities of digital transformation? Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from Carla DeSantis and discover strategies to enhance your digital operations. After listening, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the key challenges and opportunities in your digital transformation journey.