Knowledge Centre

The Toothpaste Dilemma facing your business

Every morning, you perform a small miracle of engineering in your bathroom without realizing it. It happens the moment you pick up a tube of toothpaste. When you apply pressure, the paste flows out smoothly like a liquid so you can actually use it. But the moment that pressure stops, the paste stands firm on your brush. It doesn't run off or turn into a puddle; it holds its shape against gravity. It is a material that knows exactly when to be fluid and when to be solid.

In the current business landscape, we are struggling because our artificial intelligence doesn't behave this way. Instead, companies are often forced to choose between two extremes that don't quite fit the reality of daily operations. We are caught between systems that are either too rigid to change or too thin to trust.

The first extreme is traditional specialized AI, which functions like a heavy fixed structure. These models are incredibly accurate and powerful for the one specific task they were built for, such as calculating complex logistics or predicting chemical reactions. However, they are frozen in their purpose. They take a long time to build and are very expensive to modify. If your business needs change even slightly, these systems become an obstacle rather than an asset. They are solid, but they cannot flow with the market.

On the other side, we have general generative AI, which acts more like a fluid. It is easy to deploy and can fit into almost any conversation or department instantly. While this flexibility is helpful for simple tasks, these models often lack the internal substance required for high-stakes business logic. When you apply the pressure of a complex accounting entries or a specific technical problem, they tend to lose their shape. They produce generic results or incorrect information because they are too thin to support the weight of critical business decisions.

WideTech is a new category of technology designed to bridge this gap by acting as functional intelligence. It is built on a modular architecture where the system is made up of micro-expert kernels. These kernels are specialized blocks of logic—one for industry regulations, one for internal company data, and another for mathematical accuracy. Instead of being one giant, unchangeable brain, WideTech is a collection of these blocks that can rearrange themselves depending on the task at hand. It offers the reliability of a solid tool with the adaptability of a flexible one.

WideTech is a new category of technology designed to solve this problem by acting as the functional middle ground. Instead of being one giant, unchangeable system or a thin, shallow one, it is built using modular kernels. These are small, verified blocks of industry-specific intelligence. When these kernels are at rest, they lock together to keep your data secure and your business rules firm. When you need to solve a problem, they slide past each other to create a custom solution that fits the moment.

The true value of this technology lies in how it responds to the specific pressure of a task. For low-stakes work, such as a routine internal update, WideTech remains flexible and creative. But when the pressure increases—such as when analyzing a complex scheduling or managing a supply chain—the internal modules lock into place. It stops being a creative assistant and starts being a solid, unbreakable calculator. It hardens under pressure to ensure accuracy, providing the reliable support that generic models lack.

This foundation is what powers Levitate, a complete business AI digital ecosystem designed to unify every department within an organization. While WideTech operates in the background as the engine, Levitate serves as the user-facing environment where your teams actually work. Because it is built on this adaptable architecture, Levitate doesn't force your company to fit into a generic mold. Instead, the ecosystem acts like a toothpaste based on which department is using it. A marketing team experiences a fluid, creative workspace, while the purchase or finance departments interact with a rigid, high-precision system, all within the same platform.

By running on WideTech, Levitate eliminates the friction of jumping between disconnected, shallow tools. It provides a single digital home where information can flow between teams like a liquid, yet crystallize into solid, dependable business logic the moment a decision needs to be made. This ensures that every part of the company is supported by a system that is soft enough to be user-friendly, but solid enough to drive real enterprise value.

To succeed with AI, think like a mountain

In the race to adopt artificial intelligence, many organizations find themselves caught in a familiar trap: chasing visible, short-term wins while quietly undermining the long-term health of their business. New models are deployed, pilots are launched, and point solutions proliferate across functions. Yet beneath this surface activity, complexity accumulates, costs spiral, and governance weakens. To avoid this fate, leaders would do well to borrow a lesson from ecology and learn to "think like a mountain".

The phrase was coined by the American ecologist Aldo Leopold in his seminal work, A Sand County Almanac. Leopold recounts a formative moment from his youth, when hunting wolves was widely celebrated. The prevailing logic was simple: fewer wolves meant more deer, and more deer meant better hunting. On one such hunt, Leopold watched the “fierce green fire” fade from a dying wolf’s eyes. In that moment, he realized that the mountain did not agree with killing wolves. Remove the predator, and the deer population explodes. The deer overgraze the vegetation, the soil erodes, and eventually the entire ecosystem collapses. What appeared to be a rational, targeted intervention proved disastrous because it ignored systemic interdependence.

Today’s approach to AI in many enterprises' mirrors Leopold’s early mistake. Leaders often optimize locally, a chatbot here, an automation there, a forecasting model in isolation, without considering how these systems interact with data flows, operating models, compliance obligations, and human decision-making. Each initiative may look sensible on its own, but collectively they can hollow out the organization’s digital foundations. Data becomes fragmented, models contradict each other, risks compound, and teams lose visibility into what AI is doing, where it is operating, and why certain outcomes are being produced.

To think like a mountain in the context of AI is to recognize that intelligence in an organization is an ecosystem, not a collection of tools. Models depend on data, data depends on processes, processes depend on people, and people depend on trust. Change one element in isolation and the effects ripple outward. Over-optimizing for speed or novelty, much like over-hunting wolves, can destabilize the entire system. Short-term performance gains may come at the expense of long-term resilience, scalability, and control.

This systemic perspective also exposes the risks of oversimplification. Just as defining a mountain solely by its height ignores its geological and ecological role, defining AI success purely by model accuracy or deployment speed misses the bigger picture. Questions of governance, lineage, interoperability, and lifecycle management are not secondary concerns; they are the bedrock. Without them, organizations invite regulatory exposure, escalating maintenance costs, and strategic lock-in that is difficult to reverse.

Thinking like a mountain requires leaders to step back from organizational silos and treat AI as a unified, enterprise-wide capability. It means moving away from fragmented, department-by-department implementations toward a coherent architecture that respects the integrity of the whole system. Decisions must be informed by interdisciplinary thinking; combining technology, risk, operations, and business strategy, and evaluated over years, not quarters. As with ecosystems formed over millennia, the most valuable AI capabilities are those that endure, adapt, and compound over time.

This is where the philosophy behind Levitate’s complete business AI digital ecosystem closely aligns with Leopold’s insight. Levitate is designed not as a collection of disconnected AI experiments, but as an integrated, standardized environment where data, models, workflows, and governance coexist coherently. Instead of optimizing one function at the expense of others, it prioritizes systemic integrity; ensuring visibility, compliance, and scalability are built in from the outset. The result is AI that strengthens the organization as a whole, rather than quietly eroding it beneath the surface.

Leopold warned that prioritizing immediate gains often leads to long-term danger. The same holds true for AI. Organizations that fail to think like a mountain may achieve quick wins, but they risk creating fragile systems that cannot sustain growth or trust. Those that adopt a holistic, ecosystem-first mindset and support it with platforms designed for coherence and longevity, will be far better positioned to succeed. In AI, as in nature, wisdom lies not in domination of individual elements, but in respect for the whole.

The price of AI risk to a business

Artificial intelligence is now deeply embedded in the everyday operations of modern enterprises, yet few fully appreciate the true cost of unmanaged AI risk. Beyond technical failures, AI exposes organisations to strategic blind spots, ethical pitfalls, and operational vulnerabilities that can escalate rapidly. As businesses grow more dependent on automation and machine intelligence, the price of ignoring AI risk is no longer theoretical—it is measurable, material, and increasingly unavoidable.

Financial exposure is one of the most visible consequences. Unverified models, misaligned outputs, and data-quality issues can lead to flawed decisions that propagate across entire business units. From supply chain disruptions to inaccurate forecasting, the economic ripple effect can significantly outweigh the initial investment in AI systems. This is compounded by regulatory pressure, where breaches in data governance, model transparency, or compliance frameworks can result in punitive fines and reputational damage that is difficult to recover from.

Operational disruption represents another hidden yet substantial cost. AI systems that lack monitoring, human oversight, or robust operating processes introduce complexity instead of clarity. Models drift, workflows degrade, and internal teams become dependent on outputs they cannot audit or explain. Without the right safeguards, organisations end up with fragile AI foundations—systems that perform well in a pilot phase but collapse under real-world variability.

However, the price of AI risk can be systematically reduced when businesses adopt a structured approach that unites technology, governance, and operational discipline. This is where Levitate and Turnkey AI meaningfully shift the equation. By embedding transparency, rigorous evaluation, security controls, and decision intelligence into the AI lifecycle, they enable organisations to deploy AI responsibly, confidently, and at enterprise scale. Through integrated risk mitigation and executive-ready oversight, Levitate ensures that AI becomes a multiplier of value—not a source of uncertainty.

In an era where AI will define competitive advantage, the businesses that thrive are those that manage risk proactively rather than reactively. Levitate and Turnkey AI offer a pathway for companies to modernise, safeguard, and accelerate their AI initiatives without carrying the burden of unmanaged exposure. By combining deep governance, operational intelligence, and ready-to-deploy capabilities, they transform AI from a liability into an enduring strategic asset.

AI Adoption Master Plan

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, and businesses are increasingly seeking to harness its power. However, navigating the complexities of AI implementation can be a challenge. Traditional approaches often require significant technical expertise and resources, leaving many companies unsure of where to begin.

A new generation of AI solutions is emerging, designed to make AI adoption more accessible and intuitive. These platforms offer a comprehensive approach, guiding businesses through every step of their AI journey, from identifying goals to selecting the right tools and ensuring successful implementation. This shift empowers organizations of all sizes and technical backgrounds to unlock the transformative potential of AI. But first, we outline a step-by-step approach to crafting a successful AI adoption master plan.

The first step is to identify your goals. What specific challenges can AI address for your business? Is it automating repetitive tasks, improving customer service, or gaining deeper insights from data? Clearly defining your objectives will guide your AI selection process and ensure the chosen technology aligns with your overall strategy.

Next, conduct a thorough assessment of your current infrastructure and capabilities. Does your organization have the necessary data quality and quantity to train AI models effectively? Are your employees equipped with the skills needed to work alongside AI systems? Addressing these questions upfront allows you to bridge any existing gaps before deployment.

With a clear understanding of your goals and capabilities, you can begin exploring specific AI solutions. Research the different types of AI available, such as machine learning or natural language processing, and identify tools that best suit your needs. Consider factors like scalability, ease of integration, and vendor support when making your selection.

While navigating the AI landscape can be complex, there's a powerful new platform designed to simplify your journey. Levitate is a multilingual AI platform that empowers businesses with AI discovery at every stage. Levitate demystifies AI with its intuitive interface and comprehensive support, making it accessible to companies of all sizes and technical backgrounds.

Think of Levitate as your AI co-pilot. It helps you identify the most effective AI approach for your specific needs, provides the tools and resources to seamlessly integrate AI into your workflows, and offers ongoing support to ensure you achieve your desired outcomes. Levitate eliminates the traditional bumpy road to AI adoption, transforming it into a smooth and efficient experience.

Unlike traditional AI offerings that leave you on your own, Levitate provides a comprehensive and collaborative approach. With Levitate by your side, you can confidently embrace AI and unlock its potential to streamline operations, optimize decision-making, and achieve significant competitive advantages. Levitate isn't just another AI tool; it's your key to unlocking the transformative power of AI for your business. Visit us today to learn more about how Levitate can help you navigate your AI journey and achieve success.

Top 50 Activities for successful AI Adoption

In today's data-driven world, ignoring the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a critical misstep for businesses. Companies that remain on the sidelines of this technological revolution risk falling behind competitors. This can lead to a cascade of negative consequences, impacting their decision-making, efficiency, talent pool, and ultimately, their brand image. The cost of inaction when it comes to AI adoption is significant, hindering competitiveness, hindering efficiency, and potentially damaging brand image.

However, navigating the complexities of AI implementation can feel overwhelming, especially for companies venturing into this new territory. While we'll delve into a comprehensive list of activities companies can take to get started with AI, there's a solution to ease the transition.

Levitate, a robust and user-friendly platform designed to empower businesses of all sizes. It serves as a one-stop shop for navigating the world of AI. Whether you're demystifying the technology, identifying relevant use cases, or seeking expert guidance, Levitate removes the complexity and helps you take action with confidence. The platform offers a curated selection of pre-built solutions, ranging from strategic roadmaps to daily tools. It seamlessly integrates with your existing infrastructure and workflows, paving the way for growth and a competitive advantage.

Now, let's delve into a comprehensive list of 50 activities that companies can undertake to get started with AI adoption.

1. Develop an AI strategy
2. Educate your workforce
3. Build a strong data foundation
4. Establish an AI governance framework
5. Invest in data labeling tools
6. Develop a data security strategy
7. Identify AI champions
8. Create a culture of experimentation
9. Stay up-to-date on AI trends
10. Identify pilot projects
11. Explore existing AI solutions
12. Partner with AI experts
13. Develop a change management plan
14. Invest in AI training programs
15. Conduct a cost-benefit analysis
16. Define key performance indicators (KPIs)
17. Pilot different AI models
18. Monitor and iterate
19. Integrate AI with existing systems
20. Use AI for customer service
21. Leverage AI for marketing and sales
22. Employ AI for product development
23. Optimize pricing strategies with AI
24. Improve risk management with AI
25. Streamline logistics and supply chains with AI
26. Personalize the employee experience with AI
27. Automate administrative tasks with AI
28. Use AI for content creation
29. Conduct regular AI audits
30. Develop a plan for mitigating bias in AI systems
31. Educate your customers and partners about your use of AI
32. Participate in industry events and conferences
33. Join AI communities and forums
34. Invest in AI research and development
35. Be transparent about your use of AI
36. Address any ethical concerns about your use of AI
37. Host AI hackathons
38. Run an AI innovation challenge
39. Participate in AI competitions
40. Publish your AI research
41. Develop an AI glossary
42. Create an internal AI knowledge base
43. Host internal AI training sessions
44. Encourage your employees to experiment with AI
45. Recognize and reward your employees for their contributions to AI initiatives
46. Partner with universities and research institutions
47. Join an AI consortium or industry group
48. Attend AI conferences and workshops
49. Subscribe to AI newsletters and publications
50. Follow AI experts on social media

By embracing AI and taking advantage of resources like Levitate, businesses can unlock a world of possibilities. The activities outlined in this article provide a roadmap to successfully integrate AI, fostering efficiency, innovation, and a competitive edge in the years to come. The time to act is now – don't miss out on the transformative power of AI for your business.

When AI Met Business

The world is on the brink of an unprecedented revolution driven by artificial intelligence (AI). With its promise to revolutionize industries and reshape societies, AI has opened new doors for businesses. Despite the recent hype and its immense potential, many companies have struggled to tap into its basic benefits. This glaring inability to leverage AI effectively has left businesses in a precarious position at a critical juncture in technological advancement.

At its core, AI represents the fusion of human intelligence with advanced computing power. It possesses the capacity to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make informed predictions, all at a scale and speed beyond human capabilities. AI algorithms have the potential to uncover valuable insights, optimize operations, and enhance decision-making processes. Yet, a significant number of businesses remain stuck in traditional software paradigms, failing to fully embrace the transformative power of AI.

One of the primary reasons behind this struggle is the lack of a clear AI strategy within organizations. Many businesses perceive AI as a magic wand that can solve all their problems without proper planning and integration. AI thrives on data, and the quality and quantity of data available to a business play a vital role in the success of AI implementations. Many organizations struggle with data silos, incomplete datasets, and poor data governance. For some businesses, integrating AI into existing workflows and systems can be a cumbersome process. Legacy systems may not be compatible with AI applications, and retrofitting them can be time-consuming and expensive.

The successful adoption of AI requires a skilled workforce capable of understanding, implementing, and managing AI systems. Unfortunately, there is a significant shortage of AI talent, resulting in a skills gap that hampers businesses' AI ambitions. The demand for AI professionals far exceeds the supply, creating a severe skill gap in the job market. Businesses that manage to secure AI talent often find themselves competing against tech giants and startups, making it difficult to attract and retain top talent. Without skilled individuals who can develop, implement, and manage AI systems, businesses are unable to extract the full value of the technology.

Van de Satpura has built a world-class business-strong future-proof smart execution platform - Levitate - using AI and emerging technologies. It is the only platform conceived as full-service data platform from the ground up. Levitate nourishes balances and refreshes businesses all at once. It eliminates the need to reinvent the wheel again and again and instead provides a fair and a sustainable way to identify opportunities. It is future-ready and will go a long way in creating a safe, empowering, and growing business.