‘AI won’t be perfect. The first algorithm may not be fully accurate, but it will get better every day with human intelligence guiding it,’ says Sanjib Sahoo, Ingram Micro executive vice president and chief digital officer.

When it comes to AI, Sanjib Sahoo knows its value. In fact, he said the key to success lies in aligning AI with clear business goals and applying it to solve real-world challenges.

“The real power of AI lies in how you match its capabilities to business needs,” said Sahoo, executive vice president and chief digital officer at Irvine, Calif.-based distributor Ingram Micro. “It’s not about having an AI strategy in isolation, it’s about integrating AI into your existing business strategy. That’s when you start driving real value.”

Sahoo took to the stage at Ingram Micro’s One conference in Washington D.C. last week to discuss the power of AI and how it can transform businesses and enhance operational efficiency.

At the conference, the distributor unveiled Ingram Micro Ultra, which aims to transform its interactions with solution providers by integrating cutting-edge AI and a tailored rewards system. The distributor also unveiled Xvantage Enable and Xvantage Assist, new tracks that will further educate, train and inform partners about the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI. The two tracks will also help accelerate the adoption of AI among partners and their customers by enabling them to better navigate the evolving technology landscape with greater confidence.

“Proactive AI adoption starts with the right mindset: people, mindset and innovation,” Sahoo said. “It’s crucial to focus on customer needs and business goals first. Then, use AI as a tool to achieve those objectives.”

Here are Sahoo’s 10 keys to AI success.

On AI’s Role in Business Transformation

“AI cannot be your strategy. AI can actually optimize and help your business strategy. It’s not about just doing AI. It’s about doing AI right. And before you jump to the next big algorithm, start with understanding your own business maturity. You cannot try to do the big AI use case without understanding how mature you are in your reality.”

On Data And AI Integration

“Without data, AI is pointless. Data needs ethics, governance, risk and value. You cannot just go and solve the next big complex problem. You need to focus on the right use case first.”

On the Role Of Humans And Machines In AI

“Humans and machines work together to make AI perfect. The best organizations don’t necessarily have the best scientists or the best algorithms. They have the mindset of curiosity, connecting the dots, moving fast.”

On AI and Operational Excellence

“AI has to be embedded in your operational DNA. It’s not a science project you want to do. You have to perform while you transform. Don’t just wait for transformation to happen.”

“You have to look at AI in your business in three legs: speed, scale and service. Speed is everything. You cannot wait for data. We need to think fast and move faster.”

On Scaling Businesses with AI

“You have to create your own flying wheel. Use AI to reduce cost, improve the average and grow revenue. The moment you can keep on taking that efficiency in your business, you can actually scale.”

On The Need For Leadership In AI

“AI is not for your AI team or technology team to come up with the next algorithm. It has to be led by your leadership. Leaders have to be bought in and involved in this transformation.”

On Data as the Foundation for AI Success

“Data, data, data. Without data, there is no AI. You need to rationalize your systems and create a data mesh, data structure, before you can build your AI.”

On Leveraging Partnerships In AI

“You don’t need to hire a lot of Ph.D.s to solve and write the next amazing AI algorithm. There are solutions and partners who can help. You can leverage the work others have done, building massive amounts of code and models, to help drive your AI success.”

On Navigating AI’s Imperfections

“AI won’t be perfect. The first algorithm may not be fully accurate, but it will get better every day with human intelligence guiding it. Don’t react to AI. Act on AI, act on the specific use cases that help your business.”