The two second advantage
Mastering anticipation for success
Description
Two-second-advantage technology is emerging. These systems form models by examining huge datasets. However, they do not need to access all that data constantly.
Mimicking the human brain's function, these systems take in real-time events, predict imminent occurrences, and act or notify without human interaction. They operate on the principle that a little timely, pertinent information is more valuable than belated, copious data. The movement toward skilled systems will persist and intensify out of necessity.
Table of contents
01Predicting the future
The human brain is a marvel of predictive power, adept at processing current information to forecast future events. This innate capability is a cornerstone of success for many high achievers who use it to anticipate and strategically position themselves for what lies ahead. Today, there is a pressing need for businesses to emulate this ability by developing real-time predictive systems that can identify unfolding events, predict outcomes, and take decisive action. The aim is to embed the predictive prowess of legendary minds, such as hockey great Wayne Gretzky, into the fabric of business technology.
Historically, companies have leveraged data analysis to gain predictive insights, achieving mixed results. Statistical models have been used to predict equipment failure, allowing for proactive maintenance. Marketers have analyzed zip codes to gauge the likelihood of consumer responses by location. Airlines have relied on historical data to forecast travel demand, optimizing plane occupancy. While these retrospective analytics are useful, they are limited to extrapolating from past data rather than forecasting the unknown.
The next frontier in predictive technology involves delivering pertinent information to the right decision-makers at the optimal time, enabling them to seize emerging opportunities. For example, Southwest Airlines is piloting a real-time operations system that dynamically adjusts schedules and plane routing in response to disruptions such as inclement weather. By reacting swiftly to external events, Southwest aims to enhance efficiency and profitability. As Stephen Grossberg from Boston University puts it, we are in the midst of a significant revolution where the integration of brain-inspired models into technology is already underway, with the challenge being the creation of systems that can keep pace with our rapidly evolving world.
Progressive companies are now focusing on developing systems that resemble the adaptable human mind rather than rigid organizational structures. The objective is to detect shifts in the external market as they happen and to make swift adjustments. In an unpredictable business climate, a single, well-interpreted piece of data can be more valuable than vast quantities of unprocessed information.
02Talent in technology
In the realm of artificial intelligence, the current challenge is to create software systems that can emulate the capabilities of highly skilled human brains. The next leap in AI is to develop machines with predictive prowess akin to that of superstar performers. The formula for success is clear: provide the software with the equivalent of ten thousand hours of deliberate practice. This will enable it to amass a vast repository of knowledge, which it can then use to construct an efficient model for making short-term predictions about its immediate future. However, the real challenge lies in executing this in a manner that propels systems towards the concept of Enterprise 3.0.
In the 1990s, data made its way into computer systems through a handful of channels: transactions from credit cards and banks, back-office operations such as payroll and inventory management, supermarket checkout scans, landline telephone traffic, and a limited number of personal computers. Fast forward to today, and we see a vastly different landscape. Approximately two billion internet users across the globe are constantly inputting data into various systems. In addition, over five billion mobile phones contribute to digital traffic on a daily basis. Location-based services that utilize global positioning satellites are continuously feeding new data into databases.
Yet, the data generated by humans pales in comparison to the information delivered by digital sensors every millisecond. These sensors monitor an array of activities and conditions, from water flow and traffic to TV viewership, the sugar levels in vineyard grapes, pencil shipments, freight trains, and even the movements of whales in the ocean. A single cross-country flight alone can generate about 240 terabytes of data. If airlines were to store all flight data, it would quickly overwhelm their data centers.
The surge of digital data concerning world operations is on an upward trajectory as more physical objects and electronic activities come under surveillance. Some estimates suggest that enterprise data volume grows by 650 percent every five years. The world's data is doubling every eighteen months, a trend that is expected to continue as long as new sources of data are introduced.
03The power of foresight
In the realm of technology, a new frontier is emerging that promises to give enterprises and organizations a competitive edge: the two-second advantage. This concept revolves around the use of event-driven systems that are increasingly sophisticated and predictive, even though they don't replicate the exact workings of the human brain. Forward-thinking leaders are already strategizing on how to best harness these capabilities. It is anticipated that within the next ten years, the vast majority of organizations will employ predictive analytics to secure a two-second lead over their competitors, as failing to do so would concede a significant advantage to others. The deployment of this technology is already widespread and is expected to grow even stronger in the years to come. Astute leaders are preparing for a shift towards smarter computer systems that are capable of making predictions. The introduction of two-second advantage technology is poised to be a transformative force, necessitating a reevaluation of operations and workflows by enterprises.
The potential applications of such technology are vast and varied. In the realm of counterterrorism, for instance, security forces often grapple with numerous pieces of intelligence about potential threats. The challenge lies in synthesizing these disparate fragments of information, which come from a multitude of sources. Predictive analytics could prove to be particularly effective in this context, with data from dozens or even hundreds of feeds being integrated into the system. Specific rules could be set to monitor for particular indicators, such as cash purchases of airline tickets or travel to known terrorist training camps. Profiles of known terrorists could be used to inform pattern matching, and over time, the system could become adept at predicting the risk of attacks.
Similarly, in the context of public health, tracking exposures to the flu virus could enable a more proactive response to pandemics. By analyzing multiple data streams, projections for the need for antivirals and vaccines could be made more accurately.
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