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

The Real Journal Automation Gap: Why Posting Is Solved but Creation Is Not

2026-03-26

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM EDT

Most finance teams believe journal automation is largely solved. In reality, what has been automated...

From Excel to Control: How Finance Teams Build a Structured, Audit-Ready Close with AI-Ready Foundations

2026-03-05

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM GMT

Many finance teams in growing organisations still rely on Excel for reconciliations, journals, and c...

Unlock Hidden Cash: Turn Spend Data into Working Capital Wins

2026-03-04

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST

Organizations are under pressure to optimize cash flow without disrupting supplier relationships or...

Recommended