Business Teams’ Eager Adoption

Business team members, such as those in finance or customer support, are eager to test and use generative AI tools. Many have already explored platforms like ChatGPT, expanding their knowledge through accessible resources like online videos and tutorials. Their approach is often free from technical apprehension, allowing them to experiment openly and discover relevant use cases for their daily activities.

This lack of technical and psychological barriers promotes quick adoption. Business teams readily use AI to improve document drafting, create summaries, or obtain operational advice. However, this instinctive approach is not without risks, particularly regarding security and compliance.

IT Teams’ Reluctance

IT teams, particularly developers, are often more hesitant to adopt these technologies. One of the main reasons is the concern that these tools might challenge their expertise. Experienced developers tend to feel that they don’t need tools like GitHub Copilot to improve their work. Additionally, some developers who have tested these solutions were not impressed with the quality of the results, which has contributed to their skepticism. The notion that AI could threaten their jobs also heightens this reluctance, as the role of developer is frequently cited as one that could be automated in the long term. However, while generative AI tools can assist with code creation, they still require careful review and human judgment.

Why IT Adoption is Crucial

It is essential for IT teams to overcome their hesitations and adopt these technologies proactively. Generative AI shouldn’t be limited to business units; its adoption should be shared across the organization. IT teams play a central role in selecting technologies compatible with existing infrastructure and establishing secure, compliant systems. Furthermore, once in production, only the IT team can provide ongoing maintenance and technical support.

IT’s adoption of AI tools is thus crucial to ensure these tools are not only functional but also meet the company’s security standards. Without IT’s involvement, business teams may bypass security guidelines by using unapproved tools, exposing the company to significant risks. For example, unregulated AI use could lead users to input confidential information into external tools, violating data protection policies.

How to Encourage Adoption Among IT Teams

To make AI adoption as natural for IT teams as it is for business teams, structured support initiatives are essential. Here are key steps to foster this adoption:

1. Awareness and Training Workshops

First, it’s important to introduce teams to generative AI technologies. Training workshops help to bring everyone to the same level of understanding and eliminate biases.

• Selecting the Right Tools

IT teams should be involved in choosing tools to ensure they are compatible with their work environment and meet their specific needs.

• Testing Phase with Early Adopters

Identifying volunteer developers to test and validate tools in a pilot phase is an effective strategy. These pilot teams can provide valuable feedback and promote broader adoption by acting as change ambassadors.

• In-Depth Training

Team training should include not only how to use the tools but also understanding their limitations. For example, developers should learn to analyze generated code and correct or adjust any errors. The adoption of generative AI by IT teams may seem slower compared to business units, but it is essential to ensure a secure implementation aligned with the company’s strategic objectives. By overcoming cultural and technical barriers, IT teams can not only leverage the benefits of AI for their own projects but also support the entire organization in adopting these tools in an effective and secure manner.