The enticing promise of cognitive computing: high-value functional efficiencies and innovative enterprise capabilities

Purpose The authors show how cognitive computing offers companies an opportunity to dramatically improve the efficiency of business functions throughout the enterprise – from core back office systems to critical middle office capabilities to essential front office functions. Design/methodology/approach Examples are given of companies that are using cognitive computing to transform the workings of individual business functions. Findings Cognitive systems will also create breakthrough opportunities for interactions between various functions of the organization. Practical implications Self–learning cognitive systems are enabling better-informed customer engagement in which the technology recognizes, learns and improves with every interaction. Originality/value Applied to innovation activities, cognitive computing helps organizations better formulate hypotheses, identify and validate new ideas, accelerate and refine scenario envisioning and planning. As organizations become more mature in both digital intelligence and digital re-invention, the dynamic interplay between functions will increasingly become a source of competitive advantage.