Geneva Business News recently had the opportunity to speak with Pascal Rodriguez, Partner and Engineering Director at Visium, a leading Swiss AI & Data consultancy, enabling enterprises to become future-proof and leaders in AI & Data. By leveraging top-tier cloud and data technologies, Visium empowers companies to make informed decisions in today's rapidly evolving digital environment.
In our conversation, Pascal shared insights on his role, how Visium helps companies, the future of Business Intelligence (BI) in the era of Artificial Intelligence, and advice for professionals in the field of Business Intelligence.
GBN: Can you briefly introduce yourself and your role at Visium?
Pascal Rodriguez: I am a partner and the engineering director at Visium. I lead the company's technical practices, including data science, cloud and software engineering, and data engineering.
Aside from managing a team of software engineers, data engineers, and data scientists, I oversee our engineering initiatives and align them with our strategic business goals. Together with the team, we ensure our clients receive top-notch technical solutions using the latest technologies in AI and data science.
GBN: How does Visium help companies?
Pascal Rodriguez: Visium helps companies turn data into their most powerful asset through our advanced AI and data analytics solutions and strategy consulting.
For the past six years, we've collaborated closely and built trusted partnerships with global brands such as Novartis, Roche, Nestlé, and dsm-firmenich, empowering them to implement effective AI strategies that generate substantial value and improve operational efficiency.
We do so through our unique mix of industry expertise, strategy consulting, data engineering, and ML engineering, supported by a highly talented team of experts.
Our mission is to empower businesses with ethical and responsible intelligence, positioning them for sustained success in a competitive digital landscape.
For instance, one of our clients in the chemicals industry leverages AI to assist perfumers in creating new flavors and fragrances without the need to manually test every possible combination. This approach has not only significantly reduced their product iterations but also sped up the time to market by 50%, showcasing the inspiring potential of our solutions.
GBN: Particularly talking about Business Intelligence and data analytics, with the advancement of AI now, what are your thoughts about the future of BI? Do you think AI could take over this in the future?
Pascal Rodriguez: Artificial Intelligence is set to revolutionize Business Intelligence by making it more predictive and prescriptive rather than just descriptive. Current BI tools focus on past events, but with AI, we can forecast future trends and even recommend actions. For example, AI can predict price fluctuations and suggest optimal purchasing times. By automating multiple routine tasks, AI will simplify the work of data analysts and free up their time to focus on more interesting and complex issues.
While AI will enhance BI tools, it will not replace the human element but rather augment it, making it easier for businesses to make informed decisions. Much like GitHub Copilot aids developers without replacing them, AI in BI empowers analysts to focus on critical decision-making and innovation with AI handling the repetitive tasks and providing insights. Some tasks traditionally associated with BI might evolve, but the core value of human expertise remains irreplaceable. We are transitioning to a new era of predictive analysis, adding even more value.
GBN: Where do you see Visium evolving in another 10 years?
Pascal Rodriguez: In the next decade, I envision our company leading the ethical frontiers of AI while driving innovation across diverse fields beyond machine learning. We aim to develop solutions that will profoundly benefit people and companies on a large scale. Our goal is to optimize how businesses integrate and expand AI solutions, ensuring they are accessible and have a significant impact. Our vision includes creating transparent AI frameworks that enhance accountability and foster understanding in decision-making processes. As we grow, I hope we can expand our global presence, reaching a wider audience and making a meaningful impact on the world. Staying at the forefront of AI advancements will be crucial, ensuring we continuously adapt to emerging trends and maintain our leadership in shaping industry standards and best practices.
GBN: For people working in fields like data analytics and BI, what advice would you give them to enhance their skills and grow? What skills should they master?
Pascal Rodriguez: Here's what I believe is crucial. The first step is to master core hard skills like SQL and a programming language like Python, especially for advanced analytics.
It has become increasingly important to be familiar with platforms such as Spark, which are integrated within modern data architecture platforms such as Databricks and Snowflake.
Proficiency in data visualization tools is also essential for effectively communicating insights. Beyond technical skills, the ability to translate data into actionable business insights remains fundamental—a task where human intuition excels.
A deep understanding of AI’s underlying mechanisms and staying abreast of machine learning strategies can also greatly influence BI. As AI tools become better and more advanced, embracing them and keeping up with their progress is key to effectively integrating new tools and improving analytical capabilities.
The insights from Pascal Rodriguez underscore the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence in transforming business intelligence and data analytics. Visium’s approach, combining technical expertise with strategic consulting, sets a benchmark for how companies can navigate and thrive in the AI driven landscape. Equipped with a team of experts, Visium is at the forefront of this transformation, helping companies leverage AI for significant strategic advantage. As AI continues to evolve, the future of BI looks promising, with AI enhancing rather than replacing human expertise. For professionals in the field, embracing AI tools and focusing on continuous improvement will be key to staying relevant and driving value in their careers, ensuring they augment their capabilities and deliver greater value in an increasingly AI driven world.
By the same author:
Top 10 Skills for Business Intelligence Analysts
Unveiling the power of business intelligence
