How is AI being included in Business Capability models and at what level of the hierarchy? Is AI considered a sub capability of IT? With models that include AI, what definition is provided?
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To my mind business capabilities define what a business does to fulfill its mission. They reprensent the demand side. On the other end, I see technologies such as AI that contribute to serving this demand side.
So from an enterprise architecture view i would expect to find them in the IT-Architecure layer and not as business capabilities
AI is seen as a transformative element across multiple functions rather than part of IT. In these models, AI is typically defined as technology that enables automation, data analysis, and intelligent decision-making.
What are statistical functions, business logic, software code, databases, storage, server infrastructure, compute power? They are the underlying components of AI. Looks like IT to me.
None of the underlying principles change.
However, so called "AI" systems have reached a level of complexity that there has, indeed, been a paradigm shift that makes business leaders pay attention.
Putting aside the philosophical discussion of where a self-learning and self-regulation IT might lead us, and focusing on business capabilities, AI is definitely being included in business capability models.
I believe the right place to start evaluating AI is at the level of detailed capabilities (level 3) and sub-capabilities (level 4) where you approach the level of human work tasks. This is the best level to assess the capabilities and business case for augmenting or replacing humans and the overall enterprise contribution of process, technology, data, and skills that make up the highest levels of business capabilities in the stack.
I would assume that AI isn't specifically being considered in business capability models because it is a technology. Maybe I could see elements of what needs to be done being incorporated as a sub capability under data management. But I don't see anything AI specific I would call out under IT
AI in my opinion is a accelerator. According to the integration level you set, it can define horizontally your core business and technological infrastructure.
It can happen because to rollout IT services you must have a top notch governance a security posture.