The Great AI Debate: Point vs. Platform, Buy vs. Build

Add bookmark

AI is something that is truly transforming global business services, in particular Agentic AI, and there is an incredible amount of discussion around the right and wrong way to use it and implement it within GBS. 

Two of the topics we hear the most questions about at SSON are regarding buy vs. build and platform vs. point solutions. There is a lot of information online regarding this topic, but it can often be biased, dependent on whether it’s written by a vendor and exactly what their solution is. Therefore, SSON invited AI expert Doug Shannon onto the Podcast to give his seasoned perspective.

Doug is a Visionary Leader in Intelligent Automation and AI.  He is a pioneer in driving innovation, operational excellence, and strategic vision across global organizations. Recognized among the Top 50 Intelligent Automation Leaders and twice awarded as a Top 25 Thought Leader in this space.

During this episode Doug and I discuss the following resources:

Continue your Digital Transformation journey...

True transformation isn’t about tools - it’s about connection. The Digital Transformation Program at the 30th Annual Shared Services & Outsourcing Week conference (March 16–19, 2026, Orlando, FL) shows how AI, data, and automation are powering the next generation of shared services. 

Learn More


Latest Webinars

Germany’s 1 January 2027 E-Invoicing Deadline: Timely Guidance for Time-Crunched Leaders

2026-07-30

03:00 PM - 03:45 PM CET

Germany's phased e-invoicing rollout has now entered the final stretch. The 1 January 2027 move to...

How AI-Native Accounts Payable Is Changing the Finance Function

2026-07-21

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM EDT

AI-native AP is transforming finance – preventing exceptions, improving supplier relationships, and...

Why Shared Services and GBS Transformation Stalls and How to Overcome Change Fatigue

2026-07-20

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Explore why shared services transformations stall and how to overcome change fatigue, align teams an...

Recommended