AI holds real promise for businesses ready to put it to work. However, the challenge moving from ambitious ideas to something that actually delivers value requires more than just enthusiasm and access to new tools.
That’s according to Habib Mahakian, Dell Technologies’ Vice President for Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa, who says: “To unlock the full potential of their AI journeys, organisations need engineering which turns concepts into solutions that drive real-world results.”
This is because each business brings its own data, workflows, people and goals to the AI initiative, which means solutions must be adapted, not just adopted. Delivering results takes sharp technical skills, plenty of coordination, and an honest look at gaps in the current setup.
A few familiar roadblocks stand in the way for many companies:
- Complex technology: Turning an idea into a reliable AI solution relies on specialised expertise and attention to detail.
- Disconnected teams: Results stall when data, development, and business priorities aren’t in sync.
- Limited access to talent: Getting the right mix of AI-ready skills isn’t easy, especially as demand grows.
Even well-intentioned projects can end up in a holding pattern, never quite making it beyond the proof-of-concept stage. This challenge is echoed in recent Gartner research on the four emerging challenges to delivering value from AI safely and at scale.
“AI engineering puts the focus on execution. It’s about combining vision with hands-on problem-solving, using the right team and approach to bridge the gap from idea to working solution. At Dell, our experience has shown that cross-functional teams, what we call AI pods, work best,” Mahakian says.
Each pod brings together these essential roles:
- Data scientists handle analytics and make sense of your information.
- Paired software developers turn insights into robust applications, working collaboratively in agile teams.
- Technical Product Managers (TPMs) keep deliverables aligned to business outcomes.
- AI engineers maintain expertise in AI frameworks and tools, making sure projects are not only built right, but built to last.
This blend of skills gives the team the balance needed to tackle projects from every angle.
Mahakian says Dell AI pods bring people from different backgrounds together. Data scientists dive into information and modelling. Developers, often working in pairs, turn those models into reliable software. TPMs keep momentum and clear hurdles, while AI engineers focus on using and integrating the latest frameworks.
Standardising on this pod structure allows Dell teams to share knowledge, adapt quickly, and deliver solutions that fit real needs no matter the project’s complexity.
“Few organisations can fill every skills gap simply by hiring. That’s why we put a lot of energy into developing existing talent. Our approach helps employees learn by doing, paired with experts on real projects,” Mahakian says.
Core AI pods contain deep experience, as high-potential employees work side by side with established team members. As they gain confidence and capability, they form new pods bringing consistency and fresh energy to every new initiative. Over time, this model ensures the teams speak the same technical language and can step in where needed, no matter the challenge.
“AI will continue to shape business for years to come, and the best-prepared organisations are already mapping out their approach. Even as some tools become easier to use, fitting technology to your exact needs always takes thoughtful engineering, the right structure, and ongoing learning,” Mahakian says.
Here’s how Dell recommends getting ready:
- Create a team structure you can repeat and scale.
- Bring on key experts to form a strong foundation.
- Upskill your current staff to grow capabilities internally.
- Standardise on tools and workflows so projects can evolve without hitting compatibility walls.
“Growth happens when teams come together with purpose and the right support. At Dell Technologies, we help businesses put AI to work in ways that deliver real value providing guidance, proven solutions and a partnership you can trust. Whether you’re experimenting or looking to scale, you don’t have to go it alone,” Mahakian says.
