Tech Transformed

EM360Tech

Expert-driven insights and practical strategies for navigating the future of AI and emerging technologies in business. Led by an ensemble cast of expert interviewers offering in-depth analysis and practical advice to make informed decisions for your enterprise.

  1. Are “Vibe-Coded” Systems the Next Big Risk to Enterprise Stability?

    17 HR AGO

    Are “Vibe-Coded” Systems the Next Big Risk to Enterprise Stability?

    Podcast: Tech Transformed Podcast Guest: Manesh Tailor, EMEA Field CTO, New Relic Host: Shubhangi Dua, B2B Tech Journalist, EM360Tech AI-driven development has become obsessive recently, with vibe-coding becoming more common and accelerating innovation at an unprecedented rate. This, however, is also leading to a substantial increase in costly outages. Many organisations do not fully grasp the repercussions until their customers are affected. In this episode of the Tech Transformed Podcast, EM360Tech’s Podcast Producer and B2B Tech Journalist, Shubhangi Dua, spoke with Manesh Tailor, EMEA Field CTO at New Relic, about why AI-generated code, also called vibe-coding, rapid prototyping, and a focus on speed create dangerous gaps. They also talked about why full-stack observability is now crucial for operational resilience in 2026 and beyond. AI Vibe Code Prioritising Speed over StabilityAI has changed how software is built. Problems are solved faster, prototypes are created in hours, and proofs-of-concept (POC) swiftly reach production. But this speed comes with drawbacks. “These prototypes, these POCs, make it to production very readily,” Tailor explained. “Because they work—and they work very quickly.” In the past, the time needed to design and implement a solution served as a natural filter. However, the barrier has now disappeared. Tailor tells Dua: “The problem occurs, the solution is quick, and these things get out into production super, super fast. Now you’ve got something that wasn’t necessarily designed well.” The outcome is that the new systems work but do not scale. They lack operational resilience and greatly increase the cognitive load on engineering teams. New Relic's research indicates that in EMEA alone: The annual median cost of high-impact IT outages for EMEA businesses is $102 million per yearDowntime costs EMEA businesses an average of $2 million per hourMore than a third (37%) of EMEA businesses experience high-impact outages weekly or more often. Essentially, AI-driven development heightens risks and increases blind spots. “There are unrealised problems that take longer to solve—and they occur more often,” Tailor noted. This is because many AI-generated solutions overlook operability, scaling, or long-term maintenance. Modern architectures were already complex before AI came along. Microservices, SaaS dependencies, and distributed systems scatter visibility across the stack. “We’ve got more solutions, more technology, more unknowns, all moving faster,” he tells Dua. “That’s generated more data, more noise—and more blind spots.” Traditional...

    22 min
  2. AI in Sustainability: Frugal, Transparent, and Impactful Supply Chain Solutions

    2 DAYS AGO

    AI in Sustainability: Frugal, Transparent, and Impactful Supply Chain Solutions

    In a world where climate change is reshaping the way we grow, transport, and consume the things we rely on, understanding the first mile of supply chains has never been more critical. That’s the stage where over 60 per cent of risks arise, yet it remains the hardest to measure and manage. In a recent episode of Tech Transform, Trisha Pillay sits down with Jonathan Horn, co-founder and CEO of Treefera, to explore how artificial intelligence is providing clarity, actionable insights, and sustainable solutions for this complex ecosystem. The First Mile and Climate PressuresHorn’s perspective comes from a mix of experience: growing up on a farm, studying physics, and working in investment banking. That combination gives him a lens on both the natural systems that underpin agriculture and the data-driven tools that help manage risk. Extreme weather patterns like droughts, heavy rainfall, and hurricanes are putting pressure on crops such as cocoa, coffee, wheat, and soy. The consequences ripple outward: production costs rise, commodity prices fluctuate, and supply chains become less predictable. A simple example illustrates this clearly: certain chocolate biscuits in the UK have moved from being chocolate-filled to chocolate-flavoured, reflecting disruptions in cocoa production in West Africa caused by extreme weather and disease. These changes are not isolated; they affect global markets and everyday products. Turning Data into Actionable InsightsAI can help make sense of the complexity. Treefera, for instance, combines satellite imagery, sensor data, and other datasets to provide insights on crop yields, supply risks, and climate impacts. Horn describes it like a car dashboard: “You don’t need to know every technical detail to understand what’s happening and act accordingly.” The value of AI lies not in flashy algorithms but in its ability to translate raw data into practical decision-making tools. By analysing multiple signals from weather events to agricultural output, AI can highlight trends, flag potential disruptions, and support planning for traders, insurers, or supply chain managers. The goal is clarity and action, not simply more information. Data, Regulation, and Responsible UseAlongside operational complexity, organisations face questions about data governance. Emerging regulations such as the EU AI Act aim to ensure AI is used responsibly, and companies need to maintain control over proprietary information while leveraging technology effectively. Horn stresses the importance of frugal, transparent AI applications that produce meaningful insights without unnecessary complexity. In practice, this means balancing innovation with compliance: using AI to understand risks, improve planning, and support sustainability without overstating its capabilities or creating new vulnerabilities. The conversation underlines a key point: the impact of AI is most tangible when it’s applied thoughtfully, in service of real-world decisions. In short, AI is helping organisations navigate the increasingly unpredictable intersection of climate, risk, and supply chain complexity. The first mile, long a blind spot, is becoming visible not through hype or marketing claims, but through practical, data-driven insight that helps people respond to the world as it is, not as we wish it to be. TakeawaysAI can significantly improve the management of supply chains.Climate change is causing more extreme weather patterns, affecting agriculture.Data sovereignty is crucial for companies to maintain...

    27 min
  3. How Gen-AI Will Impact Mass Customisation Today and in the Future

    3 DAYS AGO

    How Gen-AI Will Impact Mass Customisation Today and in the Future

    Mass customisation has long been the holy grail for industrial manufacturers, offering the ability to provide highly tailored products while maintaining efficiency, scalability, and profitability. However, as products become increasingly complex, traditional methods of managing configurations are starting to reveal their limitations. In a recent episode of Tech Transformed, host Christina Stathopoulos, Founder of Dare to Data, spoke with Stella d’Ambrumenil, Product Manager at Configit, about the operational realities and future potential of generative AI technology in manufacturing. The Challenge of ComplexityModern manufacturers often operate somewhere between make-to-order and assemble-to-order models. While these approaches allow flexibility, they also expose companies to a major problem, such as fragmented configuration processes. Sales teams, engineers, and manufacturing units may all handle different aspects of customisation separately, relying on spreadsheets or outdated product documentation. The result is inefficiency, errors, and an inability to scale effectively. “The problem isn’t just that you have lots of options,” Stella explains. “It’s that the knowledge about those options is scattered. If configuration is handled differently across departments, you inevitably get mistakes and lost time.” Configit Ace® Prompt: Bridging the GapEnter Configit Ace® Prompt, the latest tool designed to tackle this very problem. At its core, Configit Ace® Prompt converts unstructured data into structured configuration logic that can be used across all departments. Formalising configuration knowledge ensures that customisation is accurate, repeatable, and manageable. This approach not only reduces errors but also democratizes access to critical product information. Engineers, product managers, and sales teams no longer need to interpret fragmented data manually — they can work from a single source of truth. Early adopters report significant time savings, fewer mistakes, and smoother collaboration. Why Configuration Lifecycle Management MattersConfigit Ace® Prompt is a key enabler of Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM). CLM is an approach to maintaining consistent data and processes across the entire product lifecycle — from design and engineering to manufacturing and service. This is crucial for companies seeking to scale customisation without creating chaos in operations. By adding generative AI technology, manufacturers can implement a CLM approach faster to automate logic creation, catch configuration errors early, and ensure that complex products are delivered efficiently. Looking Ahead: CLM Summit 2026For professionals interested in deepening their understanding of configuration management, Configit’s CLM Summit 2026 — an online event scheduled for May 6 & 7 - will provide insights into best practices, advanced strategies, and tools like Configit Ace® Prompt. It’s an opportunity to see how companies can leverage configuration management to stay competitive in a world of growing product complexity. For more insights, visit: configit.com TakeawaysManufacturers face increasing challenges with product complexity and customisation demands.Configit Ace® Prompt helps convert unstructured product knowledge into usable configuration logic.Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM) is crucial for establishing and maintaining a shared source of truth.Product data...

    29 min
  4. AI-Ready Employees: How Skills-First Training Drives Business Impact

    14 JAN

    AI-Ready Employees: How Skills-First Training Drives Business Impact

    As organisations navigate the rapid rise of AI, the challenge is no longer simply acquiring technology; it’s preparing people to use it effectively. Many companies are realising that access to AI tools alone doesn’t translate into business impact. Employees need meaningful opportunities to develop skills that can be applied immediately, helping teams work smarter and make better decisions. In this episode of Tech Transformed, Christina Stathopoulos, Founder of Dare to Data, speaks with Gary Eimerman, Chief Learning Officer at Multiverse, about the pressing challenge of closing the AI and data skills gap in the workforce. They explore how organisations can build an AI-ready workforce, focusing on non-technical employees and the importance of a skills-first approach to learning. The Skills-First ApproachMultiverse champions a skills-first approach to upskilling employees in AI and data, asserting that this targeted training drives measurable business impact, including increased productivity, revenue growth, and time savings. This strategy moves beyond general AI literacy to focus on practical, applied learning. By diagnosing both organisational needs and individual skill levels, the approach identifies gaps and prescribes tailored, project-based learning experiences. Employees don’t just complete modules in isolation; they work on real-world projects that apply the skills they are learning from day one, reinforcing retention and ensuring that training contributes to tangible outcomes. Learning in the AI EraGary explains that learning in the AI era is not simply about providing tools or access to content; it’s about driving behaviour change, aligning learning with business outcomes, and embedding a culture of continuous skill development. As AI reshapes both the work we do and the way we learn, organisations that invest in people-first strategies position themselves to thrive rather than merely adapt. This conversation demonstrates that the future of work is always on learning, and that meaningful investment in AI and data skills is no longer optional; it’s a critical driver of business success. Unlocking Workforce PotentialBy combining practical, applied training with ongoing support and measurable outcomes, companies can not only close the AI skills gap but also unlock the full potential of their workforce in an era defined by rapid technological change. TakeawaysTechnology alone is never enough; people must be invested in.Reskilling is a necessity due to technological disruption.Organisations must focus on human behaviour change, not just software deployment.A skills-first approach is critical for effective learning.Learning should be project-based and applied immediately.Non-technical roles are increasingly adopting AI tools.Creating time and space for learning is essential.Highlighting success stories builds confidence in using AI.Measuring impact through metrics like revenue per employee is vital.The future of work requires a cultural shift towards continuous learning. Chapters00:00 Closing the AI and Data Skills Gap 02:02 Challenges in Building an AI-Ready Workforce 06:06 The Skills First Approach to Learning 10:04 Supporting Non-Technical Employees in AI 13:46 Measuring the Impact of AI Skills...

    26 min
  5. Automotive Communication Best Practices: Trust, Privacy, and Compliance

    14 JAN

    Automotive Communication Best Practices: Trust, Privacy, and Compliance

    In the automotive industry, trust and transparency are no longer optional; they have become key components. Dealerships that communicate clearly and responsibly with their customers strengthen relationships and improve overall experiences. In this episode of Tech Transformed, host Trisha Pillay speaks with Sean Barrett, Chief Information Officer at CallRevu, about how dealerships can navigate the changing landscape of communication while maintaining accountability, compliance and operational resilience. The Evolution of Dealership CommunicationCommunication has always been at the heart of dealership operations. The phone system was once the primary lifeline between customers and dealerships, giving managers the visibility needed to ensure interactions were handled correctly. Today, communication extends far beyond the phone. SMS, MMS, instant messaging, and other channels allow customers to engage in multiple ways. Sean explains how integrating these channels into a single technology platform provides managers with a clear view of all interactions, ensuring employees follow policies and customers receive the attention they deserve. This approach strengthens trust and improves the overall customer experience. Compliance and Data Privacy in Automotive CommunicationAlongside multi-channel communication, compliance and data privacy are critical. Regulations like GDPR and UN R155 require dealerships to protect customer data while maintaining seamless communication. Transparent practices, combined with adherence to regional rules, help build trust and protect both customers and the dealership’s reputation. Observing patterns in customer interactions also allows dealerships to make informed decisions, improve processes, and enhance service quality. Using these data insights, dealerships can make communication more effective and meaningful for every customer. Infrastructure That Keeps Dealerships OperationalReliable infrastructure underpins all communication efforts. Sean shares how dealerships can prepare for unexpected disruptions with geo-redundant systems, cloud-based platforms, and layered internet backups, including options like Starlink or fibre connections. These measures ensure dealerships stay operational, customers can reach them without interruption, and business continuity is maintained. Preparing for Emerging Communication ChannelsAs new channels emerge, proactive preparation is key. Dealerships that view communication as an investment, rather than a cost, position themselves for long-term success. Monitoring trends, adapting quickly, and fostering transparency help maintain strong customer relationships even as expectations evolve. Training and Staff DevelopmentStaff development is a critical component of a communication strategy. By using insights from technology platforms, dealerships can guide employee training, build accountability, and create a culture of learning. Confident, well-trained teams contribute to consistent, high-quality interactions that enhance customer trust. Success in automotive communication isn’t just about adopting the latest tools—it’s about building systems and practices that protect customers, support employees, and foster trust at every touchpoint. Sean Barrett’s insights provide a roadmap for dealerships aiming to elevate communication strategies, improve customer satisfaction, and

    21 min
  6. From Monolithic to Composable: A New Era in CDPs

    5 JAN

    From Monolithic to Composable: A New Era in CDPs

    In a world where customer expectations evolve faster than ever, organisations are rethinking how they manage and leverage data. Legacy, monolithic Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) are increasingly challenged by rigidity, slow adaptability, and regulatory pressures. In this episode of Tech Transformed, Christina Stathopoulos, Founder of Dare to Data, speaks with Joe Pulickal, Director of Product Management at Uniphore, about the shift to composable CDPs and what it means for modern marketing technology. Moving Away from Monolithic CDPsOrganisations are moving away from rigid, all-in-one CDPs as regulations around data privacy, consent, and cross-border data flows intensify. Joe explains that companies can no longer rely on systems that lock them into a single architecture or make compliance retrofitting difficult. Data governance, consent management, and data sovereignty have become critical considerations in every technology decision, forcing leaders to rethink the underlying structure of their CDPs. Challenges in Composable SystemsWhile composable CDPs offer flexibility, they introduce new challenges. Organisations must define ownership and accountability within modular systems to prevent fragmentation and ensure consistent data quality. Leadership must consider how compute, storage, and access are distributed across modules while maintaining compliance and security standards. Joe notes that without clarity on ownership, organisations risk operational inefficiency and weakened governance. Flexibility and Modularity in Data ManagementThe core advantage of composable architectures lies in modularity. By decoupling components from data ingestion to activation, organisations gain the freedom to innovate without being constrained by a monolithic platform. Joe emphasises: “You need flexibility in where data lives, how compute happens, ultimately doubling down on sovereignty, security, and that composable idea that initially started with data.” This approach allows teams to adopt new tools, scale selectively, and respond to changing business or regulatory requirements with agility. Embracing First-Party Data StrategiesThe shift to first-party data strategies is essential in today’s marketing landscape. With third-party cookies being phased out and privacy regulations tightening, companies must rely on direct, trusted data from their customers. Composable CDPs provide the framework to centralise first-party data while giving teams the ability to personalise experiences, maintain compliance, and safeguard trust. Joe highlights that organisations need to view data not just as an asset, but as a responsibility, balancing customer value with ethical management. Here are what leaders can do: Rethink data architecture: Move from monolithic to composable systems to gain flexibility, scalability, and regulatory alignment.Prioritise governance: Define ownership, consent management, and security practices across modular components.Focus on first-party data: Build direct customer relationships and leverage trusted data responsibly.Embrace modularity: Enable innovation, adaptability, and resilience in data management through composable design. This episode offers practical insights for leaders navigating the transition from traditional CDPs to composable architectures. It highlights how thoughtful design, governance, and first-party data strategies empower organisations to act with agility, comply with regulations, and...

    29 min
  7. What Should Contact Centres Do First to Prepare for Agentic AI?

    09/12/2025

    What Should Contact Centres Do First to Prepare for Agentic AI?

    As companies rethink how they provide customer experiences (CX), a new form of AI capability, agentic AI, is quickly changing how work is accomplished in contact centres.  In the recent episode of the Tech Transformed podcast, Dialpad Lead Product Manager Calvin Hohener sits down with host Jon Arnold, Principal at J Arnold & Associates. They discuss the transition from legacy chatbots to more autonomous agents capable of completing tasks and improving customer interactions. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the technology's impact on enterprise architecture, the need for clean data, and the strategic implications for C-level executives. Hohener emphasises the importance of starting with clear use cases and working closely with vendors to maximise the potential of AI in business operations. From Legacy Chatbots to Agentic AIMost people have used chatbots and found them lacking. Hohener explains why: earlier conversational AI was based on retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). These systems could take user input, search a knowledge base or the internet, and provide an answer. This was helpful for customer service queries, but limited. “Previous AI models could retrieve and return information, but now we’re moving into a new phase with agentic AI.” Agentic AI can take action rather than just providing information.  For AI agents to succeed, organisations must first organise their data. “How your internal knowledge is structured is crucial. Even if the data is unorganised, you need to know its location and ensure it’s clean,” stated Hohener. Agentic systems depend on internal knowledge, including knowledge base articles, CRM notes, and process documentation. If this foundation is disordered, the agent’s output will not be reliable.  This isn’t about achieving ideal data cleanliness from the start; it’s about knowing what information exists, where it is, and whether it can be trusted. If an AI agent bases its decisions on outdated, conflicting, or incomplete content, it will struggle to perform tasks aptly, regardless of how sophisticated the model is. Enterprises need at least basic clarity about which systems hold which knowledge, who is responsible for them, and whether there is consistency across sources. Hohener noted that organisations often overlook how quickly conflicting information can undermine an otherwise well-designed agent. A single outdated procedure or mismatched policy in a knowledge repository can lead an AI to produce incorrect results or halt during workflow execution.  Keeping internal content clean, deduplicated, and consistent gives the agent a reliable, valid source. This reliability becomes crucial when AI starts taking meaningful actions, not just providing answers. By focusing on data readiness early, enterprises not only reduce deployment obstacles but also set the stage for scaling agentic AI across more complex processes. In many ways, preparing data isn’t just a technical task; it’s an organisational one.  How Human Agents Work with AI Agents?The Dialpad Lead Product Manager noted that human roles, too, will evolve with agentic AI entering the contact centre. For instance, human agents will take on more of an advisory role—reviewing conversation traces and helping adjust the models.” Instead of...

    25 min
  8. Breaking Free from Busywork: AI and the Future of Profitable Client Delivery

    08/12/2025

    Breaking Free from Busywork: AI and the Future of Profitable Client Delivery

    Client service teams are at a breaking point. Margins are shrinking, the demand keeps rising, and much of the day is consumed by work that doesn’t move the needle. As a result, skilled people often spend hours reconciling spreadsheets, re-entering the same data across multiple systems, and chasing updates, time that should be spent on the work clients actually pay for. Every hour lost to manual admin is an hour of revenue slipping away. In this day and age, that’s a hit no business can afford. AI isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s a practical lever. It can cut through the repetitive tasks that slow teams down, surface the information they need instantly, and free them to focus on high-value work. The companies winning aren’t replacing staff; they’re removing the obstacles that keep people from doing their best. In a world where speed and accuracy matter more than ever, ignoring that shift isn’t optional. In the latest episode of Tech Transformed, hosted by Christina Stathopolus, founder of Dare to Data, Daniel Mackey, CEO of Teamwork.com, discussed how AI is reshaping the daily operations of client service teams. From automating repetitive admin tasks to surfacing critical information faster, AI is giving teams the bandwidth to focus on the work that truly drives value for clients.  AI and Business Transformation in PracticeDuring the conversation, Mackey highlighted how AI is reshaping business operations, emphasising efficiency and productivity rather than job displacement. “AI has transformed our company,” he noted, pointing to tangible improvements across workflow and project management. Teams are now able to focus on strategic initiatives, leaving repetitive tasks to intelligent systems. The Teamwork.com CEO also shared a recent example from a government agency that integrated AI into its processes. By automating routine administrative work, the agency experienced better resource allocation and improved project outcomes. “They’re more efficient, higher quality,” Mackey said. “AI allows them to focus on the bigger parts of the business.” Rethinking Productivity and Client DeliveryOne of the challenges in the industry is that most AI features are added onto existing tools that weren’t designed for client services. Mackey discussed how TeamworkAI addresses this gap. Built into a platform designed specifically for managing client services end-to-end, TeamworkAI connects projects, people, and profits in one system. By integrating AI directly into client delivery workflows, organisations can streamline project management, reduce manual reporting, and ensure that technology enhances rather than disrupts service delivery. This approach allows businesses to use technology strategically, rather than simply automating isolated tasks. Technology and the Future of WorkThe discussion also touched on the broader impact of AI on traditional business models. Organisations that adopt AI thoughtfully can improve their internal processes, freeing employees from repetitive tasks and enabling them to contribute to higher-value projects. Mackey emphasised that the goal isn’t just automation, it’s profitable client delivery. AI can unlock both time and insight, allowing businesses to prioritise the most impactful work. AI is redefining how businesses allocate resources, manage projects, and deliver value to clients. By eliminating repetitive work and connecting projects,...

    25 min

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Expert-driven insights and practical strategies for navigating the future of AI and emerging technologies in business. Led by an ensemble cast of expert interviewers offering in-depth analysis and practical advice to make informed decisions for your enterprise.