Technology holds the potential to revolutionize industries, but realizing its value requires more than just advanced tools. At McKinsey, we believe in a Never just tech approach, combining strategy, talent, processes, and culture to ensure technology delivers on its promise. Here, five McKinsey technologists share their insights into creating sustainable value from new tech innovations.
1. Accelerating AI Development with Reusable Tools
Contributor: Yetunde Dada, Senior Director of Product Management, QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey, London
Yetunde works with engineers and designers to speed up AI development through innovative platforms like Brix, which allows developers to reuse existing code. This approach enables organizations to implement AI models faster across various business units, unlocking the full potential of their AI investments.
McKinsey also contributes tools like Kedro to the open-source community, empowering organizations to independently maintain and scale projects long after engagements end.
“To me, Never just tech means bringing expertise, products, and capability-building strategies that help clients innovate and sustain success long after we’re gone,” says Yetunde.
2. Automating Routine Work for Developer Efficiency
Contributor: Kaz Kazmier, McKinsey Partner, Seattle
Kaz helps clients deploy AI solutions at scale, from real-time machine learning platforms to automation tools. By integrating business requirements and change management processes, McKinsey ensures these technologies are both functional and widely adopted.
The platforms also include self-service portals and automation features, reducing routine work by up to 90%. “Developers essentially gain ‘bionic arms,’ allowing them to focus on creative problem-solving and innovation,” Kaz explains.
3. Co-Creating Gen AI Solutions with End Users
Contributor: Stephen Xu, Senior Director of Product Management, QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey, Toronto
For Stephen, designing generative AI solutions requires deep collaboration with end users. Whether it’s automating legal processes or creating new insights, success depends on understanding workflows and involving UX experts, engineers, and industry specialists in the development process.
“Never just tech means creating well-rounded solutions that delight users and drive tangible outcomes,” says Stephen.
4. Building Cross-Functional Innovation Teams
Contributor: Aditya Saxena, Expert Associate Partner, Singapore
Aditya recounts leading a digital transformation for a financial services client. By creating a digital innovation hub and assembling a team of 200 experts from diverse disciplines, they launched five customer-facing products in just 20 months.
This hands-on, collaborative approach exemplifies McKinsey’s commitment to working side-by-side with clients to solve real-world challenges. “Never just tech means treating a client’s business as if it were our own,” says Aditya.
5. Integrating People, Processes, and Technology
Contributor: Elizabeth Knox, Expert Engagement Manager, New York
Elizabeth shares her experience developing a cloud-based enterprise bill payment app. Success hinged not just on technology but also on aligning people and processes. McKinsey paired tech experts with business stakeholders and created frameworks to incorporate customer feedback and upskill team members.
“Every digital project is about people, processes, and tech working together,” says Elizabeth. “The hardest part is saying goodbye to clients after watching their growth journeys.”
Why It’s Never Just Tech
McKinsey’s Never just tech approach emphasizes that sustainable success comes from the integration of strategy, culture, and talent alongside advanced technology. By empowering organizations to build the capabilities and systems they need, McKinsey ensures clients can thrive long after implementation.
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McKinsey & Company. (2024, November 15). How to get more value from your new tech? Five experts weigh in. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/about-us/new-at-mckinsey-blog/how-to-get-more-value-from-your-new-tech-five-experts-weigh-in