FI
SV
EN
The transformation of artificial intelligence is gaining momentum, but it is still plagued by hype thinking. "The discussion is technology-driven, and AI agents are the latest buzzword," says Digia's CEO Timo Levoranta. Major benefits can only be achieved when we learn to view AI from a new perspective – and there are very promising examples of efficiency improvements in Finland as well.
Read the summary (Generated by AI, checked by a human)
1. The greatest benefits of AI are created as part of everyday processes
AI assistants and agents offer benefits, but introducing technology alone is not enough. True productivity is created when AI is integrated into the organization's processes and real business problems are solved.
2. AI is already significantly more efficient in Finnish companies – the results are visible as savings and faster services
The examples of the Service Union Unemployment Fund, Söderberg & Partners, and Hedengren show that intelligent automation reduces routine work, improves service speed, and frees up time for experts.
3. Three principles for success: value, understanding of technology, and new ways of thinking
Organizations benefit most from AI when they focus on value-adding experiments (PoV), flexibly choose technologies based on need, and are ready to look at their processes from new perspectives.
To date, AI development has progressed through two distinct stages. In the first wave, companies introduced AI assistants such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT. The second phase will focus on AI agents. Both provide benefits, but attention is easily drawn to the wrong thing.
"Old truths tend to be forgotten. Technology is pushed on organisations instead of solving their problems. AI agents have already entered a state of hype thinking,” Timo Levoranta says.
Genuine productivity growth cannot be attained solely by acquiring AI assistants or agents. The greatest benefits are achieved only when the customers’ needs are fully understood, and a suitable solution can be integrated into everyday processes.
"At Digia, we have been talking about the 'symbiosis' of people and intelligent software for years. Now it has become part of everyday life, as AI is starting to take care of parts of companies' processes. For example, the organisation chart for Digia's HR department already includes AI agents that handle day-to-day tasks."
The development of AI requires a pragmatic and common-sense approach. Levoranta gives advice on this, but first, he tells us what benefits have been achieved.
Savings and efficiency improvements – This is how AI automation is gradually coming to companies
The introduction of AI and intelligent automation into companies' processes has gradually improved operational efficiency, as many Finnish examples show.
For example, the Service Union Unemployment Fund introduced automated decision-making as part of the processing of earnings-related daily allowance applications. It has sped up the service and reduced working hours.
Söderberg & Partners, a large insurance broker, automates routine insurance policy processing using generative AI. At best, up to 95 per cent of the documents are fully prepared for expert inspection, which makes work more efficient and improves well-being at work.
Hedengren, which operates in the fields of security and building technology, automated purchase and sales orders using the AI features of Digia's Envision ERP system (in Finnish). The system has brought Hedengren significant savings.
For example, Digia uses the Support Agent AI tool, which can handle some tasks on behalf of employees. An AI agent can, for example, search for experts or grant an occupational health care treatment permit to non-contractual stations.
"AI is often not about miraculous and spectacular things, but about everyday solutions that make work more efficient and automated. There is now a great demand for them," Levoranta says.
3 ways – This is how AI can really make operations more efficient
The challenge in utilising AI is typically finding the best applications and scaling experiments for production use. There are three ways to help with this.
1. Beware of Proof of Concept – Invest in Proof of Value thinking
Levoranta says that Digia does not want to carry out only traditional Proof of Concept (PoC) experiments. Instead, they invest in Proof of Value (PoV) thinking – i.e., demonstrating that AI delivers concrete value to the organization.
"Experiments are worthwhile, but they must have a clear path to production use. We should not just buy AI; we should solve business problems."
This also requires that the technological base is in place and that a production-ready AI platform is available.
2. Don't get stuck in one technology – Extensive and in-depth expertise is needed
AI works very well in some tasks, but it is not yet suitable for others. The situation is also constantly changing as AI models and technology capabilities evolve.
"It is extremely important that the projects are based on solid expertise and understanding of the different technologies of artificial intelligence and automation. Then we can choose the solutions that best suit each site," Levoranta advises.
“In the end, does it matter whether agent technology or intelligent automation is used, for example?” Levoranta asks.
It is essential that the customer receives a suitable and effective solution.
3. Success comes when you approach the matter from a new perspective
"AI will initially improve the efficiency of existing processes. But companies that are doing best in the AI revolution are those that think about their operations from new perspectives. How can AI be brought to the core of services and processes from the outset?", Levoranta says.
Companies that are doing best in the AI revolution are those that think about their operations from new perspectives.
Levoranta points out that the transformation of AI is only just beginning. On the other hand, the change is so big that it is not worth waiting too long for it. AI and smart technology are making many things possible that may still seem impossible.
"In Finland, we have all the prerequisites to create new growth when we are encouraged to think innovatively. Digia is heading towards its tenth year of profitable growth, and our recipe has been: renew and grow. Growth begins when we start thinking that way.”