The global landscape of technology is rapidly transforming, with artificial intelligence (AI) at its forefront. Industries across the board are harnessing the power of AI and machine learning to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive innovation. One company that exemplifies this technological revolution is Yatra Online, a trailblazer in the travel industry.

In an exclusive interview with TICE, Shakti Goyal, the Chief Architect and Data Scientist at Yatra Online, provides insights into how the company is seamlessly integrating AI and data science into its operations. He also reflects on the challenges faced by seasoned professionals in adapting to this ever-evolving tech environment and offers valuable advice for startups and MSMEs embarking on their journeys.

Yatra's Integration of New Technologies

Automating Decision-Making

In the era of AI, Yatra Online has recognized the paramount importance of data analytics, data science, business intelligence, and AI in modern business operations. Mr. Shakti Goyal highlights the company's substantial investments in automating processes and becoming more data-centric and data-driven. By leveraging the capabilities of large language model-based generative AI, Yatra aims to automate decision-making processes, ensuring that every choice made within the company is well-informed and data-backed. Key initiatives include the development of an enterprise-wide data warehouse to encompass all lines of business and products, facilitating the identification of business opportunities.

Enhancing Customer Support

Furthermore, Yatra is in the process of developing a customer support system powered by generative AI. This innovative approach will enable Yatra's AI model to seamlessly respond to user queries, providing a smooth customer experience and demonstrating the company's commitment to adopting the latest technological advancements.

Pioneering Technological Advancements

In 2006, when Yatra Online was founded, AI, machine learning, and similar technologies were not as ubiquitous as they are today. However, the company has consistently been at the forefront of technological innovation in the travel industry. Co-founder Mr. Manish, an industry visionary, dedicated considerable effort to developing the technology infrastructure for the travel tech space. Yatra's adaptability and proactive approach allowed them to embrace emerging technologies, including AI, as they gained prominence. The company's ability to integrate these technologies into their operations has been a key driver of their sustained success.

External Technological Developments

Goyal emphasizes that external factors, such as the investments made by tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft in AI, have played a pivotal role in facilitating Yatra's technological transformation. These tech giants have made AI more accessible to companies of all sizes through the availability of application programming interfaces (APIs) and cost-effective computational resources. This has allowed Yatra to experiment with a wide range of AI-powered solutions and maintain its leadership in the travel tech space.

Overcoming Challenges in the Tech Evolution

Adapting to Change

One of the main challenges faced by seasoned professionals like Shakti Goyal is the need to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies. Goyal reflects on his journey, from working with primitive computer systems to witnessing the exponential growth of computational power and affordability. He emphasizes that the excitement of exploring new technologies and the willingness to embrace change have been instrumental in his continued success in the tech industry. Adapting to change, even when some team members resist it, remains a constant imperative.

Advice for Startups and MSMEs

*Prioritizing Data and Analytics*

As a parting message to startups and MSMEs embarking on their own journeys, Goyal emphasizes the critical importance of making data and AI central to their strategies. He advises businesses to incorporate analytics into their software development processes and ensure that the right data is collected and stored for analysis. Additionally, Goyal suggests that companies explore existing cloud-based systems and platforms to avoid reinventing the wheel. Moreover, he encourages organizations to appoint data leadership roles at the executive level, reinforcing the significance of data analytics within the company's ecosystem.

In conclusion, Yatra Online's remarkable journey from 2006 to the present day serves as a testament to its adaptability and commitment to technological innovation. Shakti Goyal's insights and advice offer valuable guidance for startups and MSMEs seeking to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world, solidifying Yatra's position as a trailblazer in the travel tech industry amidst the booming era of artificial intelligence.

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