In the rapidly changing technological environment of today, AI has emerged as a hot topic in ITAM. The burning question on everyone’s mind is: Could AI be a game-changer for ITAM?
We recently hosted a “AI + ITAM” webinar where experts shared insights about AI’s potential and its challenges for ITAM. Hosted by the ITAM Review’s Rich Gibbons, we heard from:
- Anne Watson, ITAM Solutions Architect, SHI
- Christopher Brune, Executive Research & Innovation Manager, USU Solutions
- Rohit Lobo, Product Management, ServiceNow
- Steven McQuade, Senior Product Manager, Iron Mountain
- Steve Tait, Chief Technology Officer, Snow Software
Is AI the next big thing in ITAM?
Steve confidently stated that there is “no doubt” AI can be a game-changer for ITAM. He highlighted that since the 1960s, AI has been pivotal in integrating data to derive meaningful insights. “For any data heavy industry (like ITAM), it’s just going to be massive.”
Anne emphasised that AI will reduce the amount of time needed to collect and analyse data sources and normalise data. “Imagine it producing reports for you and leadership team members. It’s a huge game-changer!”
Furthermore, Steven pointed out how AI can help (and is helping) with recycling IT components, while Rohit described how AI can also help with the Cloud and FinOps.
Should we be concerned about AI and data accuracy?
Our panelists argued that while AI offers many promising possibilities, there will also be issues with the trustworthiness of data.
Christopher highlighted the importance of “controlling the AI” by monitoring and checking data. He cautioned against becoming too reliant on AI’s smart guidance and results, noting that you need to “control the AI to control the results”. AI can be trusted as a useful tool within your organisation if used correctly.
Rohit further added that “the key is to find specific tasks” for AI. To improve AI’s reliability, it’s vital to “train the AI for specific domains”, such as case summarisation. This will involve “contextualising its capabilities within the boundaries of the training data the AI has been training on”. With a human in the loop and staying within the safeguarding boundaries established, AI can provide reliable answers.
Steve concluded that it “depends on how far you push AI” as we are still in the early stages.
In 2024, will AI help organisations or will it be a burden to manage?
The panel gave their advice on how to successfully incorporate AI into ITAM practices and the needed first steps:
- Don’t rush the process. Be proactive and make strategies for how to integrate it within your existing processes. Every organisation needs to be more aware about how to best use it.
- Get involved, get interested. Spend time relearning your AI interactions skills (we mastered asking Google questions to find answers) and establish an AI training program.
- Experiment and learn how to adapt AI to your organisation and client. Determine how AI can best serve your organisation and clients. Identify uses cases that can drive your business acceleration.
- Treat AI like a tool. It’s not a replacement for strategies or people. AI doesn’t replace jobs. It’s a skill. People will still need to drive and manage AI so it delivers the required business outcomes.
In summary, while AI promises transformative potential, organisations must navigate its challenges. Prioritise strategies that maximise business value, and recognise that AI represents an ongoing learning journey rather than an immediate solution. This is the time to embrace the possibilities that AI can bring, even if uncertainties exist.