There has been a lot of discussion over the past 2 years about how to use AI to support information work, including in architecture disciplines. Architects have tried to ask AI systems to analyze data, answer business questions, and design systems with limited results. The problem is that the focus has been “what can I do with this tool”, when it needs to be “how can I use this and other tools to better do my job”.
AI Augmented Architecture
“AI augmented architecture” is (perhaps) a suitable term to describe the target state because it focuses on the architecture work itself and positions AI as a supporting tool. Where there is a bit of a gap is in the definition of AI itself in this situation.
Most architects (and people in general) today constrain their understanding of AI to what are called “retrieval-based agents” and Generative AI at mine through a set of knowledge sources and generate a response based on a set of user prompts that are used to guide the AI system in “reasoning” what is being requested.
Intelligent Automation
Generative AI is only one tool in the AI toolbox. In the context of Enterprise architecture, it is perhaps one of the least useful. Deterministic Agents, Task Agents, and Orchestration Agents, along with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and classical scripting tools, are also necessary to achieve the end goal of an AI-augmented architecture. Architects will need to learn these new tools and apply them in their work to meet the demands of the modern IT environment.
The Goal and the Means
If AI-augmented architecture is the goal or target state, Intelligent Automation is the means to get there. Which is more important? Both! Without a clear vision of where you are trying to go, it is easy to get off track, get distracted by shiny objects, and ultimately stop short of your destination. Without a solid grounding in the tools and methods to achieve the goal, you are likely to struggle along the way, make mistakes, encounter a lot of re-work, and perhaps even fail to reach your target state.
You’ve got this!
As architects, you know this because it is the same conversation you have with your clients. It’s now time to apply this to the next steps in your career, too. The next few years are going to be both exciting and scary. But with a skill set and mindset upgrade, you’ll be just fine.
Learn More
Intelligent Automation is the application of AI, RPA, and other tools to automate repetitive and/or time-consuming tasks, leveraging AI’s reasoning power where appropriate while keeping the human in the loop to provide guidance, resolve ambiguity, and make business-critical interpretations. More details on this topic can be found in the Intelligent Automaton White Paper. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
