Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 08 | Page 70

TECH TALK Kelly Preston, Data Analytics Manager at SilverBridge Taking data analysis to the next level with AI The Internet of Things and artificial intelligence are just some of the technology phrases that are becoming part of business discussions at insurance companies across South Africa. Kelly Preston, Data Analytics Manager at SilverBridge, discusses how they contribute to next-level data analytics. 70 INTELLIGENTCIO E ven though insurance companies are incredibly data rich, very few of them harness the potential of data for more customised solutions tailored for an increasingly knowledgeable customer base. It is no longer good enough to provide generic products and services. The connected citizen expects more nuanced offerings that consider their specific wants and needs. Connected everywhere With the growth of IoT (the telemetry systems of old), insurance companies have an incredibly powerful ally to create such bespoke solutions. Already, some are using these devices to track driver behaviour for reduced (or loaded) premiums. Up until recently, much of this analysis was driven by employees with specialist data skill sets. And while it helped to differentiate these insurers from their competitors, there is still opportunity for even more growth. Thanks to AI, analysis can go to the next level Using advanced machine-learning algorithms, companies can start implementing AI as a real-time analysis tool that provides product developers with insights previously hidden away. Even the best (human) data scientist is no match for a computer when it comes to data analysis. AI is not just about chat bots. It is about taking data sets, interpreting them against specific requirements, and providing the insights www.intelligentcio.com