Harnessing AI to unlock the power of data for business success

Welcome to the data-driven era: AI that transforms information into impact

In today’s hyperconnected world, data is everywhere, generated at every touchpoint, across every process, and within every interaction. Yet, the value of data does not lie in its abundance, but rather how it’s harnessed. We believe that AI provides the missing link to unlock the full value of data. Value is realized when data transforms into actionable insights that drive real business outcomes.

At Google Cloud Next 2025, we asked Herschel Parikh, Global Google Cloud Partner Executive at Capgemini, what his key takeaways were from the event: “When I think about our Capgemini clients, we’re in a situation where there’s so much data out there and being able to utilize that data is a key component to our clients’ success.”  

AI and data utilization: From complexity to clarity 

AI is redefining how organizations engage with their data. No longer limited to dashboards and static reports, businesses are using AI to uncover patterns, predict outcomes, and personalize experiences in real-time. Machine learning models can sift through massive datasets to identify trends in a fraction of the time a human needs to make the same calculations. In addition, natural language processing (NLP) enables teams to extract meaning from unstructured sources like emails, support tickets, and social media. And AI-powered automation ensures that clean and consistent data flows seamlessly and is ready for action. 

This shift is not just about technical functionality; it’s about a strategic mindset. By embedding AI into the heart of data strategy, organizations are moving from reactive decision-making to proactive, insight-led operations. What happened is only part of the story. Companies need to anticipate what is next. It requires effective interaction between people and intelligent systems. Recent research from Capgemini Research Institute shows that while 83 percent of business leaders plan to increase AI investments, only 49 percent feel prepared for AI-powered customer service, highlighting the urgency for integrated, industry-specific AI adoption. 

Build with Google AI: From vision to deployment 

As companies move from strategy to execution, the question becomes: how do we actually embed AI into our daily lives? Google Cloud provides a powerful foundation for this journey. With tools like Vertex AI, BigQuery, Agentspace and Customer Engagement Suite, businesses can move from experimentation to enterprise-grade deployment. Whether it’s training custom models, deploying intelligent agents, or integrating AI into everyday workflows, Google’s platform is designed to scale with ambition. At Capgemini, we work closely with Google Cloud to help clients not only adopt these tools but build with them, embedding intelligence into the core of their operations.  

This is especially relevant as generative AI becomes a boardroom priority. Ninety-three percent of consumer products executives now see it as essential to orchestrating personalized customer journeys across commerce, service, sales, and marketing.

A sports analogy: AI and data in play 

At Google Cloud Next, we asked leaders from Google Cloud and Capgemini to explain the relationship between AI and data using a sports example.  Think of AI as the players – designing a strategy, executing a play, and anticipating what’s next while adjusting in the moment based on the opponent’s reactions. Data is the game itself – the field, the ball and the conditions in that moment. These tangible assets are what help the player, AI, reach the ultimate goal to score. Without a well-structured game or a reliable ball, even the best players can’t perform. The takeaway is simple: AI and data are inseparable. One drives the action; the other gives it structure and meaning. 

Customer experience: Where AI and data meet the human touch 

One of the most exciting frontiers for AI and data is customer experience. Intelligent virtual agents, powered by platforms like Google Cloud’s Vertex AI and Customer Engagement Suite, are transforming how businesses engage with their customers. These agents  provide real-time insights, assist human agents, and elevate service delivery to new levels of personalization and efficiency. The mistake many organizations make is viewing customer service as a cost center. In reality, it’s a strategic opportunity to drive loyalty and increase revenue. Yet, only half of companies today can integrate customer interaction data end-to-end. This is where AI can shine, bridging systems, surfacing insights, and enabling multi-agent coordination across departments. The future of customer service is intelligent, connected, and data-driven. Companies that embrace this shift will lead; those that don’t risk being left behind. 

Real-world impact: Turning data into business value 

We’re seeing firsthand how AI and data are reshaping the way organizations operate and connect with people. At Wind Tre, for example, modernizing their IT infrastructure with Google Cloud’s data solutions improved performance – and transformed how they engage with customers. They now process more than 1,000 events per second and make 100 million decisions a day, enabling more responsive, personalized interactions at scale. 

In another case, a team launched the first Gen AI chatbot in Catalan using Vertex AI. It was a technical milestone and a cultural one. The chatbot is helping to preserve local language while improving response times, showing how AI can be both efficient and human-centered. 

And at L’Oréal, the use of a digital twin solution is helping bridge the physical and digital worlds. It’s not just about data modelling- it’s about getting closer to customers by understanding their needs in real-time and designing experiences that feel intuitive and personal. 

These aren’t abstract use cases. They are real stories of how businesses are using human-connected AI and data to solve problems, serve people better, and build for the future.