| | December 20178CIOReviewrequirements of a given task. It is very important that technology organizations continually evaluate the vast array of options and evaluate new solutions. It isn't sufficient to wait for a business request. Technology organizations must maintain an inventory of solutions in use and measure the effectiveness and efficiency of those solutions. The technology pillar is generally a relatively low hanging fruit on the journey to providing value for an organization.The second critical pillar is the transactional pillar. From the home video example, this transaction pillar would include the ability to both upload and synchronize videos as well as how to tag those videos and organize them. The transactional pillar in my current role includes many lines of business applications that capture critical transactions for a business unit. Examples of that include ERP's, customer relationship management tools, police records management tools, SCADA systems, legal transaction applications, and many other transactional applications. This transactional pillar generally records the events and activities that occur within an organization. This pillar includes workflow capabilities as well as event notification, reporting, and other basic functions. The transactional pillar must provide for a level of sophistication that not I recently created my best ever home video. It is a compilation of videos of my youngest son from over the years. It contains short video segments that were edited from longer family videos. These video segments were complimented with incredible music and when appropriate, sound bites from my younger son. When I sent the memories video to my wife, her reaction was priceless. She watched the video and quickly got into tears. It was an impactful moment and clearly very meaningful. It may have been one of the best home video's I have ever created.In reality, I did not create the best home video as some may anticipate. I woke up one morning and received a notification that a new memory was available. With the use of artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and intelligent editing, a video was created that provided value to our lives. It was a power example of the intersection between technology, transactions, and transformation.As information technology organizations are continuing the shift towards harvesting an organization's digital estate, they are asked more than ever to provide meaningful contributions and insights toward improving outcomes. The notion of being a partner to business isn't sufficient. We must be a part of the business and anticipate how to blend the three cornerstone pillars of the digital estate into organizational advantages to not only help drive but also predict future outcomes.The technology pillar consists of the vast array of technology available to an organization. In my home video example, that technology would consist of the video recording equipment used. A combination of mobile devices and cameras. In my present role as the CIO for the city of Saint Paul, it would consist of technologies like body cameras, IoT sensors, mobile devices, web sites, mobile applications, automatic vehicle location, and many more technologies that allow for the most efficient and effective use of technology to meet the complex needs of a city workforce. Essentially it is the technology input and output tools that are available to best meet the IN MY OpinionTECHNOLOGY, TRANSACTIONS, AND TRANSFORMATIONBy Tarek Tomes, CIO, City of Saint PaulTarek Tomes
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