There has been significant discussion over the past two years about how to use AI (Artificial Intelligence) 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 on what a single tool can do, rather than on how a set of tools can be used together to do the job better.
AI Augmented Architecture
“AI augmented architecture” is a useful term to describe the target state because it focuses on the architecture work itself and positions AI as a supporting tool. However, most architects today constrain their understanding of AI to retrieval-based agents and Generative AI, which mine a set of knowledge sources and generate responses based on user prompts.
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 tools in isolation. 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 practice. Architects need to learn these tools and apply them in their work to meet the demands of the modern IT (Information Technology) environment.
The Goal and the Means
If AI-augmented architecture is the goal, Intelligent Automation is the means to get there. Without a clear vision of where you are trying to go, it is easy to get distracted and stop short of your destination. Without a solid grounding in the tools and methods to achieve the goal, you are likely to struggle, make mistakes, and encounter significant rework.
Intelligent Automation is the application of AI, RPA, and other tools to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, leveraging AI reasoning where appropriate while keeping the human in the loop to provide guidance, resolve ambiguity, and make business-critical decisions. Read our whitepaper on Intelligent Automation for Enterprise Architecture to go deeper, or explore our Technology Advisory Services to see how we can help your team.