IndianOil and Vodafone Idea Discuss Reliability, Safety, and Ethical AI Systems
In Mumbai’s bustling financial district, Vodafone Idea’s offices are a hub of activity, where artificial intelligence (AI) has become integral to operations ranging from customer service to network management. Hitesh TK, Chief Information Officer at Vodafone Idea, emphasizes the importance of AI, saying, “We’ve been an AI and machine learning factory for years. It’s crucial for handling the volume of data generated by our 200-300 million customers.”
Across town, at Indian Oil’s headquarters, Suresh Nambiar, Executive Director of Information Systems, proudly describes their AI-driven predictive maintenance systems. “We’re using AI to optimize refinery processes and improve supply chain logistics. It has substantially reduced downtime and enhanced operational efficiency,” he says.
These examples illustrate a significant shift in how India’s largest companies are embracing AI. However, with AI’s growing role, the need for robust governance frameworks to ensure responsible and ethical use, particularly in critical industries like telecom and oil & gas, becomes paramount. Rishi Aurora, Managing Partner at IBM Consulting for India and South Asia, notes that 71% of chief executives in India believe that without stable governance, AI models will not be successful.
Strategy Groups and Hackathons
Indian Oil’s journey toward effective AI governance began with their digital transformation initiative in 2019. “We engaged a consultant and created a Strategic Information Systems group dedicated to driving IndianOil’s digital transformation,” Suresh explains. Starting with four members, the group has grown to 30 and has been instrumental in implementing AI governance practices across the organization. One key strategy has been conducting hackathons focused on various AI tools, fostering a culture of responsible innovation within the company.
Data Governance and Engineering
Vodafone Idea has heavily focused on data governance as the foundation of their AI strategy. “We moved from multiple data sources into a single data lake,” Hitesh explains. This consolidation has been crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of their AI models. Proper data definition is also emphasized, as inconsistent data interpretation can lead to incorrect predictions. To address this, Vodafone Idea implemented a robust data engineering process.
Both companies have had to tackle privacy protection challenges, especially in light of India’s new Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Vodafone Idea, in particular, ensures that no personal information of customers is stored or revealed. Continuous monitoring and improvement of AI systems are essential, given the rapid advancement of AI models.
Building Talent and Using Experts
The shortage of skilled talent is another governance challenge. Vodafone Idea and IndianOil have implemented extensive training programs to upskill their workforce. “We conducted a mandatory training program on generative AI for all employees, regardless of their role,” Hitesh says. Ensuring that employees understand the technology they work with is seen as crucial for good AI governance.
Despite these efforts, partnering with technology companies like IBM is essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges of AI governance. Suresh notes that these collaborations bring advanced AI tools, platforms, and valuable implementation expertise. “Technology players help us navigate AI development intricacies, ensuring our strategies align with best practices and global standards,” he says.
As Indian enterprises expand their use of AI, the focus on governance will intensify. Rishi predicts that 2024 will see many pilot projects in AI converting to full-scale implementations, particularly in finance, talent transformation, and IT modernization.
