NextGen Digital Leader: Harnath Babu, KPMG

Can you give an overview of emerging technologies you have deployed?

At KPMG in India, innovation is at the heart of our firm as we strive to grow and create value for businesses. We have deployed emerging technologies including Chat Bot, Robotics Process Automation (RPA), and voice-based digital assistants, thereby bringing together a smart combination of skilled human resources and digital workers.

Which are the functions/departments in your organization that is starting first with the emerging technologies? 

For enhanced efficiency and productivity at work, emerging technologies are being leveraged by several departments such as internal support functions including HR, Finance and Knowledge Management, as well as service lines including Tax.

How will emerging technologies like AI, Machine Learning, IOT, Big Data, Augmented Reality, Analytics etc., will change the fabric of IT organizations?

Considering the rapid advances and the increased reliance on emerging technology, we are sure to witness digital disruption. The IT organizations worldwide would undergo a digital transformation, establishing a strong foundation for strategic innovations in business, setting up modular components in line with the industry standard and providing the base for development and implementation state-of-the-art business applications for a competitive edge. So to be the disruptor and not being disrupted, it is critical for organizations to combine the impact of people, process, and technology to support innovation and create real value over a period of time.

Best practices and emerging tech deployment strategies

Technology has become the backbone for adaptation to changing markets and client needs these days. The best practices to ensure successful technology deployment strategy are developing a roadmap to get there, building a compelling business case aligned with the technology, setting up the program architecture while considering the risk involved, selecting relevant and efficient technologies for implementation, as well as maintaining significant business focus. It is also a must for an organization to have a clear vision as well as appropriate investment to deploy IT strategy.