Data and AI: A Symphony of Best-of-Breed Models

Daniel de Vos
2 min readAug 10, 2023

Today’s AI is more than a trend; it’s reshaping the world of business. But the true potential isn’t just in using stand-alone models. The real magic of AI is seamlessly integrating multiple models to fulfill business objectives. By centering on specific use-cases and KPI-focused strategies, we can tap into AI’s full potential.

Looking forward, the future of AI isn’t pinned on one all-powerful model. Think of it more as a symphony, where various ‘best-of-breed’ models, each specialized in its own task, play its part to create a harmonious outcome. A prime example is Netflix. By merging several AI techniques, the streaming company collects insights on user preferences, viewing habits, and content nuances, fine-tuning its recommendations engine to be spot on.

As MIT Sloan Review highlights, AI’s influence isn’t just about boosting efficiency and performance. It’s in shifting how we define business success altogether, steering strategic transformation rather than just making incremental enhancements.

Tailored solutions are the way forward

The rise of AI solutions that are tailored to use-cases aligns perfectly with this approach. Liat Benzur, former product manager at Microsoft and Qualcomm, suggests that the generative AI stack comprises various layers. Each layer has a unique role, and success hinges on choosing the right model for the task. By crafting flexible ‘best-of-breed’ solutions, businesses can stay agile and adapt more swiftly to changing market dynamics and customer needs.

Hybrid and quantifiable

“Link your AI strategies to measurable goals.”

When implementing AI, it’s crucial not only to rely on the latest technology but to embrace a KPI-driven approach, centered on overarching business goals. Take Marriott Hotel as an example. They collaborated with Fliggy, Alibaba Group’s travel platform, to test a facial recognition check-in system. This initiative primarily targets the Chinese market, where facial recognition is more commonplace, and streamlining check-ins is a key performance indicator (KPI).

As a Forbes article points out, the future of AI — and everything in between — is hybrid. It’s about seamlessly blending AI with other tools and strategies, ensuring every move leads to measurable outcomes, pushing those key performance indicators (KPIs) in the right direction.

In essence, the future shows us a hybrid approach where AI and data are orchestrated into best-of-breed models, rooted in use-case driven solutions and KPI-aligned strategies. Businesses that are ready to harness this synergy stand at the forefront, and are perfectly positioned to make the most of this transformative technology.

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