The KICK Annual Tech Event, held this year at the Social Hub in Glasgow, brought together experts from across the technology community to share insights and practical examples of how AI, digital transformation, and cybersecurity are shaping the way we work. The sessions focused on how organisations can use technology in smarter, safer, and more effective ways. Here are some of the key themes from the conference.
1. AI in Digital Transformation: Value Comes from Reliability
AI is everywhere right now, but the event reminded us that it cannot always be taken at face value. Large Language Models (LLMs) are powerful tools, but they don’t always get things right. They are best used alongside reliable systems such as structured data tools, analytics platforms, and automation software. Together, this mix provides both creativity and accuracy.
Adoption strategies also need to be carefully designed. A controlled, bottom-up approach, where employees are encouraged to trial AI solutions with clear training and governance in place, can create a culture of innovation without losing control. AI success depends not only on investment in tools but also on the right frameworks for accountability and oversight.
What this means for organisations is that AI adoption should be practical, not just experimental. Teams should be encouraged to try AI tools, but with the right training and clear guidelines in place. Striking that balance helps innovation happen in a safe and productive way.
2. Enterprise Systems and AI: Providing Operational Performance & Strategic Insights
AI is increasingly being built into the foundations of enterprise systems. Forecasting, reconciliations, cashflow analysis, and reporting are no longer manual or add-on processes. They are being supported directly by embedded AI features that provide faster insights and predictive recommendations.
Organisations that continue with legacy systems risk losing ground to competitors who benefit from automated insights, predictive analytics, and AI-enabled decision making. Investment in modern systems is no longer about keeping up with technology trends, it is about maintaining competitive advantage.
There are also workforce considerations. Research shared at the event indicated that business leaders expect AI to allow employees to take on more strategic responsibilities earlier in their careers. This creates both an opportunity and a challenge. Organisations will need to rethink skills development, workforce planning, and the relationship between human capability and AI capability.
3. The Importance of Cybersecurity in Digital Transformation
While much of the discussion focused on AI, the cybersecurity sessions were a reminder that resilience must always come first. Attackers are becoming more sophisticated, and even widely adopted security measures such as multi-factor authentication can now be bypassed through techniques like social engineering. A live demonstration of a ‘man-in-the-middle’ attack showed just how quickly this can happen with tools that are freely available online.
Recent incidents highlight just how real these risks are. Earlier this month, Heathrow Airport was hit by a cyberattack that disrupted flight information systems, causing delays and operational headaches across multiple European hubs. In another case, the Co-op faced a major cyber incident that targeted its supply chain systems, impacting store operations and exposing the vulnerabilities that come with complex vendor networks. A BBC news article stated that the cyber-attack cost the Co-op over £206 million in lost revenues.
These cases reinforce the need to take cybersecurity seriously. Stronger forms of authentication, user training, and improved governance processes are all vital if organisations want to protect their systems and data. No matter how advanced technology becomes, security will always be the foundation that keeps transformation and systems safe.
In Summary
The KICK Annual Tech Event showed how quickly technology is moving. AI is becoming more practical, business systems are turning into tools for insight, and cyber risks continue to evolve. For organisations, the challenge is finding the right path forward.
AI should be introduced where it helps, digital systems should be kept up to date, and security must never be an afterthought. These themes apply at every level of an organisation, not just the top. Whether you are in leadership, managing a team, or working hands-on with systems, the same questions apply: how can technology save time, reduce risk, and make work more effective?
Optimum PPS – Your Trusted Digital Transformation Partner
At Optimum PPS, we help organisations answer these questions. As an independent consultancy, we work with businesses of all shapes and sizes to align people, processes, and systems. If your organisation is exploring digital transformation and wants to know where to start, our team is here to guide you. Get in touch today.