Six Areas That Deliver ROI For Your AI Transformation
In our "Great Rewiring" series, we established why businesses need to reimagine their business processes around AI rather than simply adding new technology to old workflows.
Now it's time to get tactical: how exactly do you execute this rewiring in practice?
Many organizations understand AI's potential but struggle to translate that understanding into structured implementation that delivers measurable returns.
The challenge isn't just making the internal business case based on initial 10-15% productivity gains. According to McKinsey's research, it's developing the systematic approach in redesigning workflows around AI that enables companies to outperform competitors by 2-6x on shareholder returns.
The Multiplier Effect: The difference comes from moving beyond point solutions to thoughtfully integrating AI into your business processes. When done right, these benefits compound—developing competitive advantage that drives significant value.
The Six Implementation Areas
Let's break down the six areas that create this advantage—whether you're running a 10-person operation or a 10,000-person company.
1. Strategic Roadmap - Start With Value, Not Tools
Businesses often jump straight to tools (like ChatGPT) without clarity on why they're implementing AI.
Align top management around specific business domains to transform with AI
Identify customer journeys or business processes that could generate measurable value
Set clear metrics for success before implementation begins
2. Talent - Ensure Teams Can Execute and Innovate
You don't need a team of Stanford PhDs. What you need is the right mix of skills to both implement and innovate with AI.
Build a core team with the right technical skills to lead implementation and understanding of your business model and data
Create training plans to help existing employees (not just IT staff) learn new skills
3. Operating Model - Redesign Workflows, Don't Just Add AI
This directly connects to our "Don't Just Add AI" discussion. Success comes from reimagining processes, not merely adding technology to existing workflows.
Integrate business and technology teams deeply—eliminate the handoff mentality
Identify bottlenecks and rebuild processes with clear handoffs between AI and human judgment
Focus on both customer-facing products and the platforms that support your staff
4. Technology - Build Technology Infrastructure That Enables Speed
Create technology environments that enable teams to access the data, applications, and tools they need to rapidly innovate.
Set up cloud systems that can be easily updated as technology changes
Choose AI tools that complement processes and work well with what you already have
Find the right balance between building your own solutions and buying ready-made ones
5. Data - Quality Data Drives Quality Results
AI is only as good as the data it runs on. Build architectures centered around reusable data products.
Create curated, packaged data elements that teams can easily access
Ensure these data products can be used across different applications
Continuously enrich your data as your business and interactions with clients evolve
6. Adoption and Scaling - Capture Value and Manage Risks
The final piece is about actually realizing returns on your AI investments.
Start with one high-impact workflow with clear metrics for success
Document both wins and challenges to inform your next project
Create ways to expand successful projects across your organization
The Bottom Line
The McKinsey framework confirms what we've been discussing here at Thoughts From the DataFront - successful AI transformations are not primarily a technology challenge. It's about connecting strategy, people, processes, and data around a clear business goal.
The businesses seeing real returns aren't necessarily using more advanced AI. They're implementing it more thoughtfully, with clear roadmaps, measured outcomes, and reimagined workflows that leverage what AI does best.
Your next move: Look at these six areas in your own business. Where are you strongest? Where are you weakest? Starting with just one area that needs improvement will put you ahead of most competitors.
Those are my Thoughts From the DataFront
Max
Reference Link: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/rewired-and-running-ahead-digital-and-ai-leaders-are-leaving-the-rest-behind