Digitalisation, big data, chatbots, user experience, e-commerce, connected devices … these are just some of the areas covered by the role of Head of Intelligent Digital Systems.

For AI and data technologies to realise their full potential, they must be integrated into a cycle of complementarity and individual and overall performance. This is precisely the role of the ‘conductor’: the Head of Intelligent Digital Systems.

Overview and responsibilities of the Head of Intelligent Digital Systems

Head of Intelligent Digital Systems: also known as the Head of Intelligent Systems.

They lead a company’s intelligent digital capabilities. Their role is to structure, organise and oversee the various stakeholders working on AI and data.

They define a strategy which they review regularly, given the rapid pace of change.

Their hybrid role lies between managing ‘legacy’ systems and developing new ones – a rich and value-creating combination when harmonised.

AI and data encourage organisations to rethink their structure, work differently and view customer relations from a new perspective.

The DSDI knows how to recruit the right experts for each project, drive business transformation, and coordinate and unite teams so that they collaborate within a positive and productive framework.

It promotes initiatives centred on AI and bridges the gap between business cultures.

He or she sets the order of priority for AI and data projects.

He selects suppliers and service providers whilst staying within budget.

They work to ensure the profitability of initiatives and hold regular reviews with the Chief Information Officer and senior management.

They must also identify growth opportunities: new data to exploit, products to launch, chatbot systems to assist customers, the Internet of Things, etc.

Selecting infrastructure in consultation with experts is also part of their remit (data lab, data lake, etc.).

Their management approach is driven by a focus on innovation and continuous improvement for the company’s development, both internally and externally.

Streamlining expertise, driving innovation and generating business are the three pillars of the role.

Business Implications

Construction, the energy sector, supply chain, agriculture, Industry 4.0, retail… The Director of Intelligent Digital Systems can offer their expertise across all sectors of activity. They must understand the internal and external challenges facing their sector in order to then design the architecture and implement the strategy.

The ISD department bears significant business responsibility. Implementing a cross-channel strategy, developing e-commerce, specific platforms, chatbots, data analytics… All these actions lead to lead generation, a more precise understanding of customer needs, customer loyalty and an increase in market share.

Ethical implications
The Head of Intelligent Digital Systems is aware of sensitive issues relating to AI and, in particular, big data.

They must strike a balance between technological transformation and respect for rights, freedoms and ethical principles. They work closely with other experts, such as data and AI lawyers and ethics officers.

aivancity’s programmes incorporate all aspects of artificial intelligence and its challenges – whether technical, technological, commercial, ethical or legal – into their curriculum. These are comprehensive, blended learning programmes that enable future engineers to acquire the highest possible level of knowledge and a broad range of expertise.

Key skills

In addition to their broad knowledge of IT, digital technologies and engineering, the Director of Intelligent Systems is skilled at leading and motivating teams. Knowledge management forms part of their expertise. As AI and data are largely cross-functional disciplines, they must demonstrate considerable flexibility in integrating them into various organisational structures (for example, by proposing mixed project teams). Their role is both operational and conceptual, covering both internal and external aspects. They have a comprehensive and precise vision.

Always striving for consistency, they draw on their agility, versatility and pragmatism. They possess considerable natural authority. A results-oriented approach, foresight, methodology, market monitoring and leadership are essential qualities for the role. A marketing and sales mindset is, of course, required for the position.

To give a concrete example, he works to ensure that all those involved in AI and data projects have access to the same sources of information at the same time. The solutions he implements provide an intelligent environment to foster closer collaboration between different working groups and thus promote the development of innovation.

Trends and factors driving change

Although typically employed by a company, they may also be found working for an IT services firm or as a self-employed professional. Their career progression is linked to the number of people they manage and the challenges presented by the role. With advances in AI and its growing importance within organisations, it is highly likely that directors of intelligent digital systems will replace directors of information systems within a few years.

As multifaceted as it is dynamic, the role of director of intelligent digital systems presents a constant challenge. Spanning technology, business issues, organisation and management, it helps both individuals and the company to grow.

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