1. Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – SEPTEMBER 2017
Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
Every 10 years there has been a significant evolution in computer-based support for decision making. The next cycle, or generation, is due in the early 2020s and is starting to emerge. While this new cognitive generation has several important characteristics, the most significant will be the widespread use of artificial intelligence. This article describes the cognitive generation and provides recommendations for how companies should prepare for it.

2. The Evolution of Decision Support
Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
The Evolution of Decision Support
A Maturity Model Perspective of Decision Support
The Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
AI in Cognitive Generation Decision Support
Recommendations
Concluding Comments

3. The Evolution of Decision Support
Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
The Evolution of Decision Support
New generation of business intelligence (BI)/analytics is emerging
Artificial intelligence (AI) will be prominent
Every 10 years there has been a significant development

4. Figure 1 The Decision Support Generations
Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
Figure 1 The Decision Support Generations

5. A Maturity Model Perspective of Decision Support
Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
The Evolution of Decision Support
A Maturity Model Perspective of Decision Support
The Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
AI in Cognitive Generation Decision Support
Recommendations
Concluding Comments

6. A Maturity Model Perspective of Decision Support
Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
A Maturity Model Perspective of Decision Support
Characteristics that identify and describe past, current, and future decision-support generations
Strategic Importance
Scope
Models/Applications/Data Focus
Decisions supported
Users
Data Management
The kinds of BI/Analytics
Architectural Complexity
Governance
Value

7. The Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
The Evolution of Decision Support
A Maturity Model Perspective of Decision Support
The Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
AI in Cognitive Generation Decision Support
Recommendations
Concluding Comments

8. The Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
The Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
Cognitive generation of decision support co-exists with and builds on previous generations
Every generation has at least one “headline” characteristic that captures attention
Forthcoming cognitive generation: use of AI

9. AI in Cognitive Generation Decision Support
Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
The Evolution of Decision Support
A Maturity Model Perspective of Decision Support
The Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
AI in Cognitive Generation Decision Support
Recommendations
Concluding Comments

10. Pervasive Use of AI in Cognitive Generation Decision Support
Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
Pervasive Use of AI in Cognitive Generation Decision Support
Today AI is embedded in consumer devices and business applications
Advances in neural networks that lead to “deep learning”
Systems that improve over time as they accumulate knowledge and learn a domain
AI is more prevalent than you realize

11. Pervasive Use of AI in Cognitive Generation Decision Support
Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
Pervasive Use of AI in Cognitive Generation Decision Support
Natural Language Interfaces
Chatbots
Visualization Systems/Facial Action Coding Systems
IBM’s AI-based Cognitive Computing Initiative

12. The Evolution of Decision Support
Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
The Evolution of Decision Support
A Maturity Model Perspective of Decision Support
The Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
AI in Cognitive Generation Decision Support
Recommendations
Concluding Comments

13. Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
Recommendations for Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
Start Small with a Specific Business Problem or Opportunity
Prepare Use Cases
Create the Cognitive Generation Architecture
Recognize the Changing Governance Needs
Help Management Understand BI/Analytics Models and Output
Be Creative in Meeting Data Science Staffing Needs
Recognize that Advanced BI/Analytics Is a Team Effort
Further Develop a Fact-based Decision-making Culture
Hire the Smartest People You Can
Be Concerned about Privacy

14. Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
Figure 2 Reference Architecture for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
Adapted from Eckerson, W., “Big Data Analytics: Profiling the Use of Analytical Platforms in User Organizations,” The Data Warehousing Institute, September 2011

15. The Evolution of Decision Support
Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
The Evolution of Decision Support
A Maturity Model Perspective of Decision Support
The Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
AI in Cognitive Generation Decision Support
Recommendations
Concluding Comments

16. Preparing for the Cognitive Generation of Decision Support
WATSON – September 2017
Concluding Comments
Firms are going through a period of exponential change
Technology advances (especially AI applications) change the nature of work, how it is performedv and by whom
BI/analytics provides powerful tools for competition
To succeed, firms should understand the concepts and insights provided by the decision-support maturity model