The head of ICT advocates for creating efficiency without eliminating jobs because “society has to continue”.
Isaac Mwangi, head of ICT at nutritional products holding company Unga, believes in striking a balance between man and machine. He says that it is important to maximise existing IT investments, have a maturity model for growth, while considering the social impact of automation. Isaac's approach focuses on enterprise and system architecture, integration, data-driven decision-making, and responsible automation that avoids unnecessary job losses.
Isaac emphasises that optimising a functional IT system requires a strategic approach. He asks, “How do you maximise on what’s working?” His methodology includes developing and architecture that considers:
- Integration: Connecting various systems to enable seamless communication and data exchange. Isaac explains, “the input of one is the output of the other and connection creates visibility of how each and every one affects the other.” This involves integrating systems like ERP, SCADA, and SFA.
- Data-driven decision making: Transitioning to a model where data drives decisions. Isaac notes this will allow a move to “be more of data-driven rather than just a hunch or secondary processing.” He gives the example that: “production will be driven now by sales data” reducing planning time and improving efficiency.
- Third-party integration: Incorporating external systems and using AI to optimise processes. Isaac says, “We’re introducing robots and AI to be able to schedule our loading, optimise on carrying capacity and transport routes.”
The Social Impact of Automation
Isaac stresses the importance of social responsibility when implementing automation. He advocates for creating efficiency without eliminating jobs because “our society still has to continue”. Even with the potential for robots to handle tasks, Isaac ensures that humans are still involved, because “Offloading is best done by a human.”
His organisation also actively engages with colleges, offering internships and industry-relevant training to bridge the gap between academic curricula and industry demands. Isaac explains, “We are making sure that we open up slots for six months to help people to be industry ready.”
Both these examples sum up his approach: “Whatever we are doing we are trying as much as possible to have a positive social impact rather than a negative one.”
Career Journey
Isaac’s career began in electrical and electronics, transitioning into hardware engineering and networking. In the late 1990s, he entered the world of ERPs, becoming SAP certified in 1999. Over the next decade, he worked on numerous end-to-end SAP implementation projects as techno-functional consultant, and upgrades, eventually moving into project management and solution architecture. Isaac’s career progressed into IT management and strategy, and he ended up leading IT in organisations. His professional experience includes roles at KenGen, Kenya Pipeline, Toyota Kenya, RVR, Techno Brain, CFAO Kenya and Miradi Capital, culminating in his current role at Unga.
Key Considerations for IT in East Africa
Isaac identifies cloud computing, AI, and edge computing as key considerations for IT leaders in East Africa. He notes the importance of balancing cloud adoption with cost, legislation, and investor expectations.
Isaac says that many organisations are exploring how to leverage AI and embark on AI implementation journeys. “AI is not something you wake up in the morning and install. This is something you have to grow into. It's a journey,” he says.
He adds that edge computing is also gaining traction, particularly for industries using SCADA systems, enabling quicker decision-making at the node level. Isaac says that with edge computing, “decisions and quick turnarounds can actually be made at the node.”
