Automating the Future: Insights from ISS Group

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Episode summary:

In this episode Tiki, the host of the Autom8 with Frends podcast, and Sami Öfverberg, Head of Business Operations IT at ISS Palvelut, discuss the key initiatives in business automation, integration and robotics. The conversation also touches on the evolution of IT solutions over the past 15 years, the impact of generative AI, and Sami’s vision for the future of automation. This episode provides valuable insights into the practical applications of automation and AI in business operations, as well as a forward-looking perspective on the potential of these technologies to transform work and society.

ISS Group is a leading global facility management services company employing close to 400.000 people in over 30 countries. Founded in 1901 in Copenhagen, Denmark, ISS has grown to become a major player in the industry, providing a wide range of services, such as cleaning services, food services, workplace management, security services and technical services. 

Key takeaways:

Automation and robotics initiatives. ISS Palvelut uses a combination of RPA (Robotic Process Automation), integration, and generative AI to enhance processes and user experiences and to automate bottlenecks and remove mundane tasks from employees. 

GenAI applications. As one example ISS Palvelut has implemented generative AI to automate invoice description writing, where the AI corrects typos, arranges actions in incremental order, and removes inappropriate language, with human oversight for approval.

Best practices sharing. There's a lot of hype and huge expectations for GenAI, but in general we see a lot of discussion about experiments and ideas, but less concrete real-life success stories of big scale AI implementations with tangible business benefits. 

About Sami:

Sami is the Head of Business Automation IT at ISS Palvelut Oy, the Finnish subsidiary of the global ISS Group. He is passionate about creating an environment where technology supports and enhances human potential. Sami's mission is to simplify the interaction between people and technology, removing complexity from IT and making IT and business concepts accessible and understandable for everyone.

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