Modern IT Systems Need Nuanced Thinking
Adaptation without consideration has become a ‘shiny object syndrome’ in software engineering. Take automation as an example – “my regression bed includes 20,000 test cases: automate everything”. “Each month I am adding 10% to the repository: Keep automating”. This approach conveniently ignores the fact that automation % is just a number. You really need a technology-centric approach to make sure that you safeguard your business at an optimal cost, while also ensuring an early mover advantage with your products every single time. In the same way, AI adoption is now becoming the new El Dorado. Do something to claim that your software engineering system has become Artificially Intelligent. However, software engineering actually needs a thoughtfully architected AI framework to make your business truly resilient and maximize the benefits of AI. Thus, your software engineering approach needs to be Automated and Autonomous at the same time.
Automated. Autonomous. The Choice Lies in Your Strategy
Automation means an ability to execute a pre-defined sequence of events repeatedly. The framework is repeatable but restricted. The automation architects program the system to act based on pre-defined steps and intended outcomes.
The power of this is in the Repeatability and Speed underlying the power of automation. As an example, test automation frameworks take pre-defined test data and test scenarios and use opensource architectures to create batches of test entities (insurance policies as an example) which can support expected outcomes from a system validation perspective. Autonomous systems, on the other hand, continuously learn- they learn from their environments and adapt to them. As environments change, autonomous systems also evolve. With a defined starting point, the system can not only perform but also advise and recommend in an evolutionary way. As an example, the solution can identify business functionalities impacted by specific code changes and, over time, improve with accuracy and speed. Most importantly, automated and autonomous systems complement each other. A truly mature IT shop will view these solution options as part of a single continuum, flexibly emphasizing one or the other depending on the context. Use case identification and a long-term strategy that supports business resilience and acceleration will determine the right mix of automation versus autonomy in your systems.
A Strategic Approach to Leveraging Automated and Autonomous Solutions
At Exavalu, we view software engineering not as a set of disparate, isolated islands of requirements, development and QA activities, but as a continuous flow of data supported by technology to build intelligent and resilient products. We help our clients use this approach to gain speed to market advantages over their competitors. Exavalu has pivoted to a composite solution framework comprised of both autonomous and automated accelerators applicable across the entire SDLC. Our framework strengthens coverage, boosts acceleration, and builds intelligence into applications.
This solution framework relies on in-depth analysis of business coverage requirements, engineering acceleration needs, AI-centricity, and the right balance of autonomous and automated solutions.
Summary
To ensure business agility and resiliency, Exavalu is working with clients to utilize the power of AI to drive autonomous/intelligent solutions. We use a pragmatic approach to determine which use cases require predictable and repeatable solutions, versus intelligence and adaptation, to gain an edge. This requires an in-depth understanding of both the business and technologies. Exavalu’s AI-powered software engineering framework will help you build resilient and intelligent systems, with flexibility for the effective use of autonomous and automated solutions.
About Author: Moulinath Chakrabarty is a client executive partner with Exavalu’s Insurance practice. He has 20+ years of Insurance experience, and specializes in advising Insurance carriers on best practices for driving digital transformations with Insurance core products at the center of such initiatives. You can reach him at Moulinath.Chakrabarty@exavalu.com.