Exchanges with Hitachi Solutions — The Podcast https://global.hitachi-solutions.com

Podcast Summary


Title: Microsoft Fabric Conference Wrap Up with Hitachi Solutions
Podcast Air Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Featuring: Brad Koontz hosts with Sandeep Pawar and Miles Cole
Key Points Discussed:
Microsoft Fabric Conference Customer Insights
Brad Koontz introduces Microsoft's first-ever Fabric Conference (Fab Con) held in Las Vegas, with Hitachi Solutions expert presentationsThe conference featured 130 sessions with hands-on experience with Microsoft Fabric capabilities like data warehousing, data movement, AI, real-time analytics, and business intelligence.Hitachi Solutions has been in partnership with Microsoft for nearly two years, offering "Fabric in a Day" training since the previous November.Announcements and Integrations
Microsoft announced new fabric capabilities and Hitachi Solutions presented their own sessions at the conference.One significant investment was the integration between Microsoft and Databricks for better interoperability of platforms related to Lakehouse architecture.Mirroring was a new feature showcased, allowing for the replication of databases outside of Fabric, which facilitates data analysis without physical data movement.Hitachi Solutions' Role and Offering
Hitachi Solutions is positioned to assist customers with the integration of fabric and their existing investments due to their close relationship and collaboration with Microsoft.Key Takeaways and Call to Action:
For Existing Lakehouse Architecture Users:Customers can take advantage of fabric immediately, but nuances with integration exist.Action Item: Hitachi Solutions to provide guidance on interoperability between platforms like Azure Databricks and Microsoft Fabric.
For New Users and Educating Customers:Interest in Fabric is high, as demonstrated by conference turnout.Hitachi Solutions offers our "Fabric in a Day" as well as upcoming dates for Microsoft's Fabric Analytics in a Day" events for customersNext Steps:
Further engagement with Hitachi Solutions for education on Fabric's capabilities and assistance in implementing new technologies.


Related Resources:
Jumpstart Your Adoption of Microsoft Fabric with Lumada Empower Data Platform – Hitachi Solutions (hitachi-solutions.com)
Fabric in a Day – Hitachi Solutions (hitachi-solutions.com)
A Complete Data Estate in 7 Days? We Do It Every Day. – Hitachi Solutions (hitachi-solutions.com)
Next Gen Business Intelligence: Microsoft Power BI + Fabric – Hitachi Solutions (hitachi-solutions.com)
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What does a tattoo have to do with patient experience?How do you gain trust around AI?What impact does collaboration have on the future of data and AI in healthcare?In this episode of Exchanges, Brad Koontz speaks with Leah Bowling, VP & GM at Hitachi Solutions, and Paulo Pinho, Chief Medical and Strategy Officer at Discern Health, about their experiences at HIMSS 20204 and the industry trends impacting healthcare and technology that surround the answers to these questions.

Listen and learn more!

Check out our related resources:


https://global.hitachi-solutions.com/blog/advancing-healthcare-through-data/https://global.hitachi-solutions.com/downloads/empower-trial-offer/https://global.hitachi-solutions.com/webinars/prepare-for-ai-driven-future-in-healthcare/global.hitachi-solutions.com

Hosts: Joel Lindstrom and Joe Unwin
Discussion Points:
March Power Platform Insights: Recap of the insights and the usefulness of the power platform as a practical guide for frequently asked questions on Copilot and Copilot Studio.Understanding Copilot: Distinctions between different 'Copilot' offerings, e.g., general Microsoft Copilot vs. M365 Copilot vs. Copilot Studio. Clear explanation on purpose and functionalities were provided.Generative AI Landscape: An overarching theme is Microsoft's move towards generative AI alongside manual pathways, the balance between precision and generative freedom, and the use of AI in chat solutions.Power Virtual Agents (PVA) Transition: Discussion on how PVA has evolved and integrates into Copilot Studio, emphasizing the transition from PVA to Copilot Studio.Security Aspects: Focused on how Copilot Studio maintains high standards for data security and privacy amidst its capabilities.Licensing and Pricing: Clarity was provided on the new pricing model, which is based on message interactions rather than sessions, with examples of how generative AI interactions are counted.Adoption Strategy: Suggestions on approaches businesses can take in adopting Copilot Studio such as starting with a pilot program before wider implementation.Featured Resource
Power Platform Insights: March 2024 – Hitachi Solutions (hitachi-solutions.com)
Related Resources:
Power Platform Insights: February 2024 – Hitachi Solutions (hitachi-solutions.com)
The Impact of AI on the Future of Work – Hitachi Solutions (hitachi-solutions.com)
Learn How to Modernize Your Out-dated RPA FAST — with Microsoft Power Automate and Hitachi Solutions – Hitachi Solutions (hitachi-solutions.com)
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In every discussion Advisory expert Greg Gant has with business leaders today, the conversation inevitably leads to business modernization for the Era of AI. What advice is he giving, and when does data first enter the discussion? Find it in this week's episode of Exchanges by Hitachi Solutions.

Key Discussion Points:
Data-Centric AI: Greg emphasizes that data is paramount for AI and related technologies like generative AI and CRM to work efficiently.Worker Adoption of Generative AI: According to Forrester — 60% of workers will use generative AI by 2024. Is it true for your business? Practical Uses of AI in Business: How we're helping customers prioritize practical applications of AI in their processes.The Necessity for Data Modernization: Prioritizing data modernization comes up early in discussions with business decision-makers, as good data quality directly impacts the efficacy of future AI initiatives.AI as a Transformation Driver: AI is considered a key factor in digital transformation, but the implementation must balance innovation with the human aspect to ensure adoption and realization of business value.Final Notes
In this episode we discuss the rapid pace at which AI is being adopted in the workforce and the critical role of data in leveraging AI capabilities. Greg Gant highlights the importance of preparing and training teams to effectively use AI and data-driven technologies as they become increasingly integral to business operations. To learn more, check out our "Finding Your AI Onramp" webinar now on demand.
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Date: Wednesday, February 21
Meeting Title: Microsoft Copilot 101 for Business Leaders
Participants:
Brad Koontz (Host)Adam Piercy (Fast Track Recognized Solution Architect, Hitachi Solutions)Joe Unwin (Microsoft Power Platform MVP)Discussion Points:
Overview of Copilot:Introduced as a versatile assistant across Microsoft 365 workspace.Embedded in daily apps to enhance productivity and provide assistance in real-time.Not all users are aware of how to utilize it effectively.Copilot Functionality:For general use: Supercharges productivity in Teams, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.For business applications (e.g., Dynamics 365): Optimizes sales processes, helps manage tasks, creates summaries, drafts emails, etc.Understanding Copilot Variants:M365 Copilot is the broad AI assistant.Copilot for Sales focuses on the sales process within Dynamics 365 and helps with managing opportunities, leads, and meetings.Availability and Pricing:$30 per user/month as a separate SKU.Accessible to all commercial customers on various M365 plans.Additional AI capabilities available for some Dynamics 365 users without the comprehensive package.Extension of Copilot:Customization and extensions can be done via Copilot Studio, even for non-Microsoft applications through an API.Custom copilots can be created for specific business needs.Copilot Studio:Builds on the previous Power Virtual Agent technology.Allows for custom conversational plugins and connects Copilot to third-party systems through an automation studio.Enhanced with generative AI capacity.Future of CRM and AI:Discussion on the direction of CRM becoming invisible within user workflows.Emphasis on productivity and user adoption through seamless integration with Copilot.Action Items for Business Leaders:
Understanding Extension Capabilities:Task: Assess how Copilot extensions can improve productivity within their respective organizations.Evaluating Custom Copilot Needs:Task: Consider if a custom Copilot could benefit their current customer service model and begin strategizing the implementation.Exploring Copilot Studio:Task: Dive into Copilot Studio's offerings to understand how it can be utilized to enhance user experience with generative AI.Educating Teams on Copilot Use:Task: Share knowledge and arrange training, if necessary, on Copilot's features and how they can be leveraged for better efficiency.Subscription Evaluation:Task: Assess current subscriptions and additional costs to evaluate the financial impact of leveraging full Copilot capabilities.global.hitachi-solutions.com

Title: 3 Top Leadership Priorities for Successful Digital Transformation
Date: Wednesday, Feb 14
Participants: Dave Horstein hosts Hannah Farley - Vice President of Advisory Services at Hitachi Solutions America
Dave & Hannah focus on key leadership priorities that are essential for successful digital transformation. The conversation revolved around three major aspects:
Prioritizing Digital Initiatives: Hannah highlights the importance of having a clear strategy. She emphasizes initiatives should align with an organization's overall vision and strategic objectives. She also warns against the common mistake of trying to execute multiple initiatives simultaneously, which often leads to none being completed effectively.Action Item: Leaders need to define the top three priorities for their organizations, understand how projects and priorities may overlap, and consider the impact on employees.Upskilling and Reskilling Employees:Dave & Hannah discuss why preparing employees for changes that come with digital transformation is fundamental to success. Action Item: Implement a process for upskilling and reskilling employees to fit into the new roles that emerge from digital transformation.Adopting New Cutting-Edge Technology: The conversation highlights that simply communicating and training employees about new technology is not enough to ensure adoption. Hannah stresses the need for reinforcement and accountability measures to create sustainable change.Action Item: Development of effective training programs and the inclusion of behavioral reinforcement and accountability mechanisms in the digital transformation plan.Overall, Dave & Hannah stress the importance of clear communication, effective training, and the need for accountability and reinforcement mechanisms to ensure the successful implementation of digital transformation initiatives.
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