Insights

Highlights from K2's time at Dreamforce 2024: A celebration of AI innovation

​Dreamforce 2024 event stood out for its focus on the intersection of AI innovation and social impact, bringing together industry leaders and technology enthusiasts for a memorable experience. Throughout the event, attendees were treated to groundbreaking innovations, exciting partnerships, and engaging entertainment. Members of the K2 team actively participated in the event, seizing the opportunity to network and showcase their cutting-edge Salesforce services. This round-up captures the essence of the three-day event, highlighting the key moments and insights that emphasized the importance of AI innovation, social connections, and ethical growth.Our highlightsAgentForce launchAt the heart of the first day was the much-anticipated unveiling of AgentForce, a groundbreaking platform created by Salesforce to pioneer AI-driven autonomous business agents. Powered by the Atlas reasoning engine, AgentForce promises to revolutionize business operations, offering more intelligent, autonomous agents.The second day saw the continued dominance of AI as Marc Benioff dived deeper into AgentForce. Live demos showcased how conversational AI can be built and deployed quickly, offering businesses a powerful tool in mere minutes.Data Cloud upgradesSignificant updates to Salesforce’s Data Cloud were announced, enabling real-time processing of unstructured data. This heralds new possibilities for businesses to harness AI in more efficient and dynamic ways.AI strategic partnerships and $1 billion AI fundSalesforce revealed new strategic partnerships with IBM and Google, signaling the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities. Additionally, the launch of a $1 billion AI innovation fund underscored Salesforce’s dedication to supporting the growth and development of new AI technologies.Slack’s AI-powered boostThere was also big news for Slack users, with the introduction of AI-powered workflows and agent functions designed to streamline productivity and enhance collaborative efforts.Focus on sustainability and ethical AIUnderpinning these technical advancements were strong themes of sustainability and responsible AI, as Salesforce introduced updates to Net Zero Cloud and reinforced its commitment to privacy and ethical AI. This reaffirmed the company's dedication to ensuring innovation remains aligned with responsible growth.Will.i.am’s AI-powered radio stationMusic icon Will.i.am launched an AI-powered radio station, spotlighting how AI is expanding the boundaries of creativity and merging technology with entertainment.Robot selfiesAdding an interactive and playful touch to the conference, a roaming robot captured selfies with attendees, instantly texting them their photos.AI learning center announcementSalesforce announced the opening of a new AI training hub in 2025, aiming to make AI education accessible to everyone for free, underscoring the company’s goal to help the broader community get comfortable with AI.Dreamfest concertDreamfest rocked Oracle Park, featuring headliners P!nk and Imagine Dragons. The concert’s proceeds supported UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.Reconnecting and networkingDreamforce 2024 also served as a major networking event, bringing together friends, colleagues, and industry professionals from around the world, fostering socializing and reconnecting within the Salesforce ecosystem.--As ever, Dreamforce 2024 was a remarkable convergence of AI innovation, high-profile partnerships, and memorable entertainment. It not only highlighted the transformative power of AI but also fostered social connections, philanthropy, and a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical growth. This extraordinary event truly exemplified the synergy between technological advancement and social impact, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.Ready to transform your business with leading Salesforce solutions? Contact us today to find out more.​

Developing trust in the IoT era: How cybersecurity experts can drive business success

The convergence of IoT (Internet of Things) and cybersecurity has become a vital area of concern for organizations globally. As companies increasingly adopt IoT and digital technologies to enhance innovation and productivity, the need for professionals with expert knowledge of how to implement strong cybersecurity defenses has grown. This blog explores how organizations can implement essential cybersecurity solutions to prevent major vulnerabilities in their systems.The growing cybersecurity challengeThe widespread adoption of IoT devices across industries opens new avenues for cyberattacks. In sectors like enterprise technology, where IoT devices are integral to managing complex systems and processes, these vulnerabilities can have significant consequences. McKinsey has emphasized that trust is crucial for unlocking the full potential of IoT, and this trust is inherently tied to robust security measures. Without a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, the risk of cyberattacks escalates, potentially causing major operational disruptions, financial losses, and harm to a company's reputation.Key strategies for effective cybersecurityTo address these challenges, organizations need to adopt a comprehensive and multi-layered approach to cybersecurity. Here are some essential steps to consider:1. Proactive investmentOne of the foundational steps for ensuring cybersecurity is proactive investment. Organizations must allocate resources towards robust cybersecurity solutions. This involves integrating security measures specifically designed for IoT devices and systems. Leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is crucial in this regard. AI and ML can enhance threat detection capabilities by identifying anomalies and potential threats in real time. This proactive stance ensures that vulnerabilities are addressed before they can be exploited, enabling a swift response to any emerging threats.2. Building trust through securityBuilding trust in IoT devices is key to unlocking their potential benefits. Trust is built through ensuring the integrity of devices and the data they handle. This requires implementing strong cybersecurity practices that protect against unauthorized access and data breaches. Interoperability, or ensuring that different IoT devices and systems can work together securely, is also important. Additionally, a resilient network design that can withstand and recover from cyberattacks plays a crucial role in maintaining trust and operational stability.3. Multi-layered security approachEffective cybersecurity cannot rely on a single layer of defense. Instead, a multi-faceted strategy is necessary. This approach involves combining preventive, detective, and corrective measures to create a robust security framework:Preventive measures include implementing strong access controls and regular security updates. Detective measures involve continuous monitoring and threat detection to identify potential security incidents early. Corrective measures focus on responding to and mitigating the impact of security breaches when they occur. This multi-layered approach is essential to protect against sophisticated and evolving threats.4. Future-proofing with AIAI and machine learning are increasingly becoming indispensable tools in the cybersecurity landscape. These technologies enable predictive analytics that can anticipate potential threats and vulnerabilities before they materialize. By leveraging AI, organizations can enhance their ability to detect and respond to cyber threats in real time. This future-proofing approach helps ensure that systems remain resilient as the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve.---Now that integrating IoT devices is becoming more prevalent in many industries, sourcing professionals with the most up to date cybersecurity skills needs to be prioritized by businesses. K2 has over 5,000 cybersecurity consultants based all over the world, all with the expertise to secure your operations and maintain your organization’s competitive edge. Find the right professionals for your business and optimize your cybersecurity functions today.​

Consultant of the Month - Ron Taylor

​Each month, we recognize a K2 consultant whose outstanding performance, expertise, and unwavering commitment have led to outstanding client feedback on their recent projects. This month, the K2 Consultant of the Month is Ron Taylor, an SAP Project Systems Consultant. Find out more by reading his interview below:Tell us a little bit about yourself."I've been an SAP PS/FI/CO/AM Consultant for over 25 years! I split my time between Dallas and Phoenix."Tell us a little about your most recent K2 project."My work with K2 involved adding SAP Project Systems to an existing SAP environment. The key was to implement just enough to make their financial reporting easier without overwhelming the end users."What do you enjoy most about your job?"Working with people from around the globe and learning about different industries, from movie making to construction and industrial automation. I've always enjoyed teaching SAP and its wide functionality. I've been on project teams with members spread from California to Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil."How do you think AI will impact your field over the next couple of years?“Do I think a lot of work can be done by AI in initial SAP setups? Of course, and it probably should. However, understanding the nuances of business users' requirements - especially with international trade and localized tax or reporting requirements - will keep SAP consultants busy for a long time."What advice would you give to someone who is starting out as a freelance IT consultant?"First, find a great company to partner with, like K2! I've been a freelancer (mainly) for over 20 years, and K2 is a great company to work with. I wish I had found them earlier in my career. The next most important thing for a new freelancer to understand is that you have to have a strong balance sheet. Everyone gets excited about pay rates as a freelancer, but they don't always understand that there are business cycles and downtimes that require you to have cash. I'd also strongly suggest finding a good accountant to help with LLC setup and tax requirements."---If you’re an IT consultant looking for your next opportunity, or if you’re a client looking for help staffing a project, contact us today.​

How Salesforce, Microsoft and others are using AI agents to transform the world of work

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the business landscape, making it essential for companies to have skilled AI professionals who can drive their digital transformation. AI agents, powered by advanced technologies, are revolutionizing how businesses operate by automating tasks, enhancing decision-making, and delivering valuable insights.Innovative startups developing AI Agent platform, including CrewAI and agent framework on LangChain. Several existing IPAAS solutions are adding Agent Architecture to their frameworks, such as Workato recent announcements of Genie. These Agent frameworks allow you to directly integrate into any application with an API. More recently, the traditional SAAS providers have started to announce AI Agents built into their offering, such as the recent announcements from Salesforce around AgentForce.What is a generative AI agent?A generative AI agent is an AI-powered system that uses generative models, such as large language models (LLMs), to autonomously perform tasks, create content, provide personalized recommendations, and interact with users. Unlike traditional AI systems, which operate based on predefined rules and conditions, generative AI agents can generate new content and insights by understanding and learning from vast amounts of data. This ability allows them to perform complex tasks that mimic human interactions, such as drafting emails, generating reports, providing insights, and even conducting conversations.These AI agents continuously learn and adapt, making them valuable assets in dynamic business environments where agility and quick decision-making are crucial.How do AI agents help businesses?Generative AI Agents are in their early days, but looking at these systems and how they can be incorporated into your workflows are very important as the space matures. Generative AI agents can bring numerous advantages to businesses by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and automating routine tasks:Automation of repetitive tasks: AI agents can automate mundane tasks like data entry, scheduling, and customer support, freeing up employees to focus on higher-value work.Enhanced decision-making: By analyzing large datasets in real-time, AI agents can provide actionable insights and recommendations, helping businesses make more informed decisions.Personalized customer experiences: AI agents can deliver personalized customer interactions via chatbots, virtual assistants, and recommendation engines, improving customer satisfaction and engagement.Improved collaboration and productivity: AI agents can manage projects, assign tasks, and provide updates, acting as virtual team members that help teams stay organized and productive.Cost savings and efficiency gains: Automating tasks and reducing the need for human intervention in routine processes can lead to significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency.How enterprise tech vendors are using AI agentsTech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce are at the forefront of integrating AI agents into their platforms, enabling businesses to leverage these technologies to transform the way they operate.Microsoft: Transforming work with proactive copilotsMicrosoft is expanding the capabilities of its AI-powered Copilot platform by making AI agents more proactive and autonomous. Instead of waiting for user prompts, the new Copilot agents can automatically perform tasks in the background, such as monitoring email inboxes, handling IT help desk services, or managing employee onboarding. This shift transforms Copilot from a reactive assistant to a virtual employee capable of autonomously completing complex tasks.Copilot Studio: Microsoft is introducing Copilot Studio, a new platform where businesses and developers can build and customize AI-powered Copilots tailored to specific needs. For example, an AI agent for employee onboarding could greet new hires, answer HR-related questions, introduce them to colleagues, schedule meetings, and handle administrative tasks – all autonomously.Customization and data integration: Copilot agents will be able to work with a business's unique data, from internal systems like SharePoint and OneDrive to public websites. Microsoft is enabling businesses to build custom connectors that extend Copilot's functionality across various systems.Team Copilot feature: Microsoft is also introducing a new Team Copilot feature, which allows AI agents to collaborate with groups by managing meeting agendas, taking notes, moderating team chats, and assigning tasks. This feature will be previewed later this year and represents a significant step toward AI-driven collaboration.In an interview with Verge, Charles Lamanna, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President of Business Apps and Platforms, explained that this shift to more proactive AI agents is designed to automate mundane, repetitive tasks rather than replace jobs. "If someone did one thing over and over again, it probably would have already been automated by current technology," he said, emphasizing that the goal is to free employees to focus on more meaningful work.Salesforce: AI-powered sales and customer engagement with Einstein GPTSalesforce is leveraging its Einstein GPT platform to transform sales and customer engagement. Recently, the company announced two new AI-driven agents as part of its Sales Cloud platform:Einstein SDR Agent: This AI agent acts like a Sales Development Representative (SDR) by autonomously engaging with inbound prospects, qualifying leads, and nurturing the sales pipeline around the clock. The Einstein SDR Agent can engage in turn-by-turn conversations, answer initial questions, and even schedule meetings by accessing a salesperson’s calendar. This helps sales teams focus on high-value tasks, such as closing deals, while the AI handles lead qualification.Einstein Sales Coach Agent: The Sales Coach Agent is a virtual AI coach that assists salespeople in improving their pitches and sales strategies. It provides real-time feedback during mock sales scenarios and even during live online meetings. For example, if a competitor is mentioned, the agent can surface relevant competitive data, enabling the salesperson to respond more effectively.Ketan Karkhanis, General Manager of Sales Cloud at Salesforce, told a press conference that these AI agents are not replacements for human salespeople but are designed to be “new team members” that help teams perform their jobs more efficiently. These tools are driven by Salesforce’s Data Cloud, which supports retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for more accurate and context-aware responses.Other enterprise tech vendors are utilizing AI agents to stay ahead of their competition. They include IBM, which uses its AI platform, Watson, to provide a range of solutions, including AI-driven customer service agents, data analytics, and enterprise resource planning. Watson's capabilities include natural language processing and machine learning, which are integrated into various business processes. Another example is Oracle. The company has integrated AI into its cloud services and enterprise applications. Oracle's AI-driven solutions include intelligent chatbots for customer service, predictive analytics for business insights, and automation tools for various business operations.How has K2 utilized AI agents?K2 has recently been working on numerous AI agent innovations to drive our own digital transformation and offer cutting-edge solutions to our clients. Our Chief Technology Officer and Global AI Director, Chris Collins, has been at the forefront of these developments. “K2 has been working with agents since the beginning of 2024, deploying agentic technology from CrewAI as well as in-house built tools. We’re focusing on how we use agents to help people make good decisions,” said Collins.“Our agents work alongside our employees, assessing their key performance indicators and making recommendations for their next steps. For us, making the agent work alongside our people helps with our ability to gain a competitive edge,” he added.The future of work with AI agentsAs Microsoft, Salesforce, and other tech giants continue to develop and integrate AI agents into their platforms, the potential for these technologies to revolutionize how we work is immense. By automating repetitive tasks, enhancing decision-making, and improving collaboration, AI agents can enable businesses to work smarter, drive innovation, and stay competitive.As AI agents become more integrated into our work environments, the challenge will be to balance automation with human judgment, ensuring that AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than displacement. The future of work with AI is not just about technology; it's about redefining roles, collaboration, and the way we think about productivity.---Generative AI agents are redefining the workplace by automating tasks, enhancing decision-making, and driving personalized customer experiences. With top tech organizations leading the charge, businesses are poised to transform how they operate, collaborate, and engage with customers. As we enter this new era of AI-driven workplaces, organizations that embrace these technologies today will be better equipped to thrive in the future.Need help sourcing top AI professionals? Contact us today to get the support you need.​

Consultant of the Month - Gabriela Marques de Sá Storino

Each month, we recognize a K2 consultant whose outstanding performance, expertise, and unwavering commitment have led to exceptional client feedback on their recent projects. This month, the K2 Consultant of the Month is Gabriela Marques de Sá Storino, an SAP Senior Workflow Consultant. Find out more by reading her interview below:Tell us a little bit about yourself."My story with the SAP system began in April 1999, when I transitioned from software development for the financial market to pursue a career in ABAP. Since then, I have worked on large and medium-sized implementation projects, as well as on AMS. In 2001, I attended the Workflow Academy at SAP and specialized in this area. In fact, it's the part I most enjoy working in because it allows us to drastically improve clients' business results, facilitating a broad view of processes and the progress of tasks; it enhances collaboration and communication between employees, enables better identification of production bottlenecks, and brings significant financial savings to companies. During these 25 years working with SAP, I have had the opportunity to participate in several successful projects, lead technical teams, and recently manage the ABAP Factory of an SAP partner company in Rio de Janeiro."Tell us a little about your most recent K2 project."My most recent project at K2 was on a leading brewing company’s AMS. It was challenging due to the size of the client group, the scope of operations carried out within the SAP System, and the many integrations that SAP has with other systems. It was also extremely important for the 24x7 operation of this company. The biggest challenge was to ensure that operations did not stop and to provide quick and accurate responses to problems. But the K2 support team is very competent and engaged, and I had the opportunity to witness everyone's commitment to the customer, demonstrating great professionalism and dedication."What do you enjoy most about your job?"To work in development, you must enjoy solving computational problems and providing customers with the necessary tools, such as reports, programs, and functionalities in the SAP system, so that they can carry out their day-to-day work in the best possible way with simplicity and accurate results. I enjoy understanding the problem, analyzing the best solution, building the solution, and seeing the customer's satisfaction in receiving exactly—or even better than—what they asked for. Effective communication, collaboration with the entire project team, understanding the customer's needs, and continually learning about the SAP platform and its possibilities are essential efforts in working as an ABAP and Workflow developer. It is a constant challenge because, over these 25 years, SAP has grown, and currently, the company is responsible for managing 87% of total world trade. We SAP professionals end up becoming a big family that embraces more and more members every day."How do you think AI will impact your field over the next couple of years?"AI will impact my field in many ways, but something I find most relevant in my day-to-day life as an ABAP developer is the use of AI in automating code reviews, detecting and fixing bugs, and optimizing code for performance. AI can significantly enhance code quality in SAP ABAP development. Machine learning algorithms can analyze historical data to identify patterns that lead to errors and suggest or implement fixes. AI tools can also predict potential issues before they occur, ensuring a stable and reliable system. Additionally, AI can generate comprehensive test cases based on code changes and user behavior, reducing the likelihood of bugs in production. Continuous learning from new code and user feedback, along with AI's ability to maintain high code quality over time, will enable developers like me to create more robust and efficient applications."What advice would you give to someone who is starting out as a freelance IT consultant?"Here are some key points that have helped me during my career:Build a strong networkContinuously update your skillsImprove and maintain fluency in EnglishTake online courses and, if possible, attend face-to-face onesParticipate in forumsStay focusedBe persistent and resilientGood communication is essentialListen more and talk lessDeliver high-quality work"--If you’re an IT consultant looking for your next opportunity, or if you’re a client looking for help staffing a project, contact us today.​

Boosting business risk management with AI know-how

​The complexity of global markets, the advent of cutting-edge technologies, and the escalation of cyber threats demand a strategic and proactive approach from today’s businesses.This means effective risk management is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way organizations navigate these challenges. With AI's ability to process vast datasets, uncover intricate patterns, and predict future risks, your organization can stay ahead of potential threats. By hiring expert AI professionals, you can fortify your risk management framework, protect your assets, and drive sustainable growth. The role of AI in risk managementAI systems excel at processing and analyzing large datasets to uncover hidden risks that might not be apparent to human analysts. Here’s how AI can enhance risk identification:Data analysis and pattern recognition: AI algorithms can sift through historical data to identify trends and patterns that indicate potential risks. For example, in finance, AI can analyze transaction data to detect unusual activities that might signify fraud.Predictive analytics: By using machine learning models, AI can predict future risks based on historical data. These predictions can help businesses anticipate market shifts, economic downturns, or operational failures.Real-time monitoring: AI-powered systems can continuously monitor business operations and external environments in real time. This constant vigilance enables the early detection of anomalies or threats, such as cyberattacks or supply chain disruptions.Natural language processing (NLP): AI can analyze text from news articles, social media, and other sources to detect emerging risks. NLP helps in understanding the sentiment and potential impact of events on the business.Strategies for mitigating risks with AIIdentifying risks is only half the battle; the next step is to develop strategies to mitigate these risks. AI plays a crucial role here as well:Automated decision-making: AI systems can automate decision-making processes to respond swiftly to identified risks. For instance, in cybersecurity, AI can automatically isolate compromised systems to prevent the spread of malware.Scenario planning and simulation: AI can simulate various risk scenarios and their potential impacts on the business. This helps in creating robust contingency plans and ensuring that the organization is prepared for multiple outcomes.Resource optimization: AI can optimize the allocation of resources to mitigate risks effectively. For example, in supply chain management, AI can suggest alternative suppliers or routes in case of disruptions, ensuring continuity of operations.Compliance and regulatory adherence: AI can help businesses stay compliant with regulations by continuously monitoring changes in laws and guidelines. It can also ensure that internal processes adhere to these regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues.Challenges and considerationsWhile AI offers significant advantages in risk management, it is not without challenges:Data privacy and security: The use of AI requires access to vast amounts of data, raising concerns about data privacy and security. Businesses must ensure that data is handled responsibly and in compliance with privacy regulations.Bias and fairness: AI systems can inadvertently perpetuate biases present in the training data. It is crucial to develop AI models that are fair and unbiased to avoid reinforcing existing inequalities.Human-AI collaboration: The best results are achieved when AI systems work in tandem with human expertise. Businesses must foster a culture of collaboration where AI augments human decision-making rather than replacing it.----AI is revolutionizing risk management by empowering businesses to proactively identify and mitigate risks. Its unparalleled ability to analyze data, predict future scenarios, and automate responses makes it indispensable in today's complex business environment.With a global network of almost 20,000 AI experts, at K2 Talent Solutions we’re experts in matching the best organizations with the world’s best professionals. Each of them has the expertise to navigate significant challenges such as data privacy, bias, and human-AI collaboration. By sourcing top AI talent, we’ll help you boost your digital transformation and maintain a competitive edge in the modern market. Get in touch with us today to find the best professionals for your business.

Consultant of the Month - Aranzazú Figueroa

Each month, we recognize a K2 consultant whose outstanding performance, expertise, and unwavering commitment have led to outstanding client feedback on their recent projects. This month, the K2 Consultant of the Month is Aranzazú Figueroa, an Asset Analyst. Find out more by reading her interview below:Tell us a little bit about yourself."My professional journey began eight years ago after completing my Project Management studies in Mexico City, where I'm based. With a solid foundation in IT, particularly in computer networks, I have thrived mainly in project management and asset analyst roles within this sector. I am passionate about learning and exploring new things to drive excellence in my work. Though I consider personal development crucial for professional success, I also believe in the power of teamwork to innovate and achieve ambitious goals. One of my greatest joys is collaborating with diverse teams."Tell us a little about your most recent K2 project.“It involves asset management within network delivery projects for a major food and beverages company, focusing on optimizing the entire lifecycle of assets from procurement through deployment to decommissioning. A central part of this project involves leveraging the database for comprehensive asset tracking and management, maintaining accurate records of each asset's status, location, configuration details, and maintenance history in real-time. The project's extensive scope and frequent changes posed significant challenges, but we managed to address them through collaborative efforts and the establishment of clear processes. This project plays a crucial role in ensuring that all stakeholders have up-to-date information, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency."What do you enjoy most about your job?"I find great fulfillment in my job due to its broad scope, which allows me to tackle significant challenges and contribute meaningfully. Constant learning in the ever-evolving technology field keeps me engaged. I also enjoy collaborating within an inclusive team and supportive environment that values equity and diversity. Effective leadership plays a crucial role in fostering this environment, guiding us with clarity and inspiring us to achieve our best. I'm lucky to work for a company with a positive culture. Overall, these aspects make my job both fulfilling and inspiring."How do you think AI will impact your field over the next couple of years?"I believe there will be a massive impact from AI in IT, asset management, and project execution in the coming years. AI's ability to automate repetitive tasks, optimize linked processes, and analyze vast datasets holds great promise. Hopefully, this advancement will drastically reduce the time required to execute routine tasks without compromising quality. I think AI will revolutionize our approach and ways of working. Professionals and companies that understand and use AI will definitely have a competitive advantage."What advice would you give to someone who is starting out as a freelance IT consultant?"My advice would be to prioritize perseverance and dedication. Freelancing often involves navigating ups and downs, so maintaining resilience and staying committed to your goals is crucial. Also, explore different opportunities if possible early on, to discover your interests and strengths. In your work, focus on efficiency by working smarter, not harder, and be prepared to embrace change and adaptability. The IT industry evolves rapidly."---If you’re an IT consultant looking for your next opportunity, or if you’re a client looking for help staffing a project, contact us today.​

Why you need to hire professionals skilled in Kanban to drive business success

​Recruiting a team with the most up to date skills and methods to drive productivity and efficiency is key if you want your business to gain a competitive edge in today’s market. Having employees with the knowledge to implement Kanban workflow management is the key to unlocking new levels of improvement and collaboration, ultimately leading to higher-quality outputs and faster project completions.Izabela Navarro, a senior scrum master and K2 consultant, has used Kanban to manage clients’ most challenging projects. She gave us an insight into how Kanban has evolved into a versatile system applicable across industries, which empowers professionals to drive company projects effectively.Please explain what Kanban workflow management is.Kanban is a workflow management method initially developed by Taiichi Ohno, an industrial engineer at Toyota. It aims to help teams visualize their work, limit work in progress, and maximize efficiency. The term "Kanban" originates from Japanese, translating to "visual signal" or "card." Unlike other methodologies like Scrum, Waterfall, and Lean, Kanban focuses on flexible time frames, roles, and specific areas of concentration. Here's a summary of its key principles:Visualizing workflow: Kanban uses visual boards with columns representing stages of the process. Cards on the board denote tasks or work items, facilitating clear progress tracking.Limiting work in progress: The method stresses restricting the number of tasks in progress at any time. This prevents overload, enhancing productivity and quality.Managing flow: Kanban optimizes work flow by identifying and resolving bottlenecks or areas of slowdown.Continuous improvement: Teams continuously refine workflows through regular reviews, identifying and implementing improvements.Tell us about a time when you used Kanban on a projectI managed the IT portfolio development for a large natural resources company. Initially, processes were chaotic with unclear priorities and constant urgency, often leading to missed deadlines. Introducing Jira Atlassian for project management, defining team roles, and implementing Kanban with clear task boards and work stage limits significantly improved transparency and efficiency. Monitoring metrics such as lead time, item throughput, and quality indicators enabled us to continuously refine our processes.Could you elaborate on the concept of "upstream" and "downstream" in Kanban workflow management?In Kanban, "upstream" refers to preceding stages in the workflow, such as planning and requirements gathering. Improving upstream efficiency ensures that downstream stages, like coding and testing, receive high-quality inputs, enhancing overall project success and stakeholder satisfaction.Conversely, "downstream" includes activities following the current stage, focusing on refining and completing the project. Enhancing downstream efficiency ensures timely delivery and meets stakeholder expectations.What are some common challenges organizations face when implementing Kanban?Resistance to change: Existing practices may meet resistance when transitioning to Kanban.Lack of understanding: Clear comprehension of Kanban principles is crucial for successful implementation.Work overload: Initial challenges in setting appropriate work in progress (WIP) limits may occur.Scaling: Extending Kanban across teams or departments requires careful planning and coordination.What are some key metrics that companies should track to measure Kanban success?Lead time: Measures the duration from start to completion of work items.Cycle time: Measures active task completion duration, focusing on workflow efficiency.Throughput: Measures the rate of completed work items over time.Customer satisfaction: Gauges Kanban's impact on delivering value and meeting customer expectations.What advice would you give to organizations adopting Kanban?Promote open communication: Foster an environment for constructive discussions.Clarify priorities: Ensure transparency and accessibility of information.Embrace incremental changes: Adopt an evolutionary approach to process improvement.Cultivate collaboration: Encourage a supportive rather than competitive organizational culture.K2 Talent Solutions is the leader in matching quality technology professionals with the world’s top organizations. Get in touch with us today to discover the professionals with the right skills to boost your business success.​

K2 developer reveals the in-demand skills you need in your tech team

​Full-stack developers are currently in high demand. The result is that competition is more fierce than ever when it comes to sourcing and hiring the very best candidates for your business. If you’re looking to find the most talented professionals to drive your digital transformation, there are certain skills you should consider before hiring.We spoke with Igor Ayello Borges, an experienced full-stack developer and K2 consultant. He explained which soft and technical skills your next developer should have to effectively tackle your most challenging projects.How did you become a full-stack developer? I started my career in 2005 as a graphic designer and worked in various areas such as TV, automotive design, games, and educational technology. But after seven years, I realized that job opportunities in that sector were disappearing, so I decided to move to software development.My first experience in software was developing mobile and desktop games for iOS, Android, and Microsoft platforms using the Unity engine with the programming language C#. It was a great experience, but I found the games market to be quite unstable, so after three years, I decided to change my career path from games to conventional software.I became a full-stack software developer in 2016, working in different areas such as transport, banking, insurance, and retail, using different programming languages and frameworks like .Net, Java, Python, Node.js, Angular, and ReactJS. Now, I’m a full-stack developer working with the .Net platform and ReactJS in one of the biggest food companies in Brazil.When companies hire full-stack developers, what are the technical skills they are looking for? And what soft skills are important?Technical skills: Most companies look for developers who understand at least one SQL database system like Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle DB. They need professionals who also know about NoSQL databases. When it comes to backend programming languages and frameworks, the biggest companies have legacy systems built on the .NET platform or Java. Newer companies and startups also use .NET or Java, but they like to explore the benefits of new languages like Go and Python. For front-end tools, most companies use a JavaScript/TypeScript framework like ReactJS, Angular, or Vue along with a CSS framework. Developers must have a basic knowledge of cloud computing.Soft skills: Junior-level professionals must learn key soft skills such as communication and collaboration. They must research new development trends and understand their company’s business. Mid-level developers must build on the soft skills they learned earlier in their careers and have the ability to support junior developers and train new teammates. Senior professionals should perfect the skill of speaking confidently and effectively to product and business owners. They should be able to suggest new features that will increase business growth for their clients.What advice would you give people interested in pursuing a career in full-stack development?My advice is to start with basic knowledge such as math, statistics, and logic, as well as programming concepts like conditionals and loops, databases, and programming languages. After acquiring the basics, they can focus on cloud computing using one of the popular platforms like Azure or AWS.The next step is artificial intelligence. Many cloud services have an artificial intelligence stack that can be used to solve your company’s problems. Integrating AI services with a full-stack system and presenting this to your product or business owner will help you stand out from the crowd.---K2 Talent Solutions is the leader in matching quality technology professionals with the world’s top organizations. We have 996,000 candidates in our global network, all ready to start work with you. Get in touch with us today to find the best professionals for your business.​

Consultant of the Month - Nellie Murphy

​Each month, we recognize a K2 consultant whose outstanding performance, expertise, and unwavering commitment have led to exceptional client feedback on their recent projects. This month, the K2 Consultant of the Month is Nellie Murphy, a Salesforce Technical Consultant. Find out more by reading her interview below:Tell us a little bit about yourself.“I am a Salesforce Consultant based just north of Atlanta, Georgia. With over five years of experience in various consulting roles and a long-standing involvement in the Salesforce ecosystem, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my projects.”Tell us a little about your most recent K2 project.“My most recent project involved a year-long implementation of Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud for a large religious nonprofit transitioning from Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge. A significant technical and strategic challenge stemmed from the organization's complex structure. Fundraising is conducted for 8-10 active entities within the nonprofit, all of which share a unified constituent and prospective donor data set. Additionally, the nonprofit relies heavily on direct mail for fundraising, which introduced its own set of technical challenges. We developed tailored solutions to address these unique hurdles, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.”What do you enjoy most about your job?"I love the variety of projects and challenges that clients present. No two projects are ever the same, which keeps things exciting and my skills sharp. I am constantly learning and gaining valuable experience."Which technical development do you think will have the biggest impact on your field or the wider world of IT over the next couple of years?"I think the biggest development will be machine learning and AI, especially in the field of support. We are seeing a lot of interest from clients as this new development has the potential to save companies money by using AI tools to replace support resources. I believe that there will be an even greater need for creative solutions to support teams where these types of tools are used within Salesforce products."What advice would you give to someone who is starting out as a freelance IT consultant?"Don't let fear get in the way of starting something new! This career path is a big personal and professional hurdle, but the benefits are endless, and you may find yourself more empowered than ever when you simply say yes!"---If you’re an IT consultant looking for your next opportunity, or if you’re a client looking for help staffing a project, contact us today.​

Consultant of the Month - Adolfo Ortega

​Each month, we recognize a K2 consultant whose outstanding performance, expertise, and unwavering commitment have led to outstanding client feedback on their recent projects. This month, the K2 Consultant of the Month is Adolfo Ortega, a Project Manager. Find out more by reading his interview below:​Tell us a little bit about yourself."I am a professional focused on the world of SAP with more than 20 years of experience in the management and direction of large SAP projects. For the last 12 years, I’ve centered my professional career in SAP treasury management. My focus is on optimizing business processes through the implementation of effective treasury SAP solutions. I have extensive experience in the management of multidisciplinary teams and in the strategic planning of SAP projects. I seek to lead teams and collaborate on projects that maximize the efficiency and profitability of an organization's treasury."​Tell us a little about your most recent K2 project.“The project was called TelPay. Its objective was to implement SAP for a payments company with all the payment and collection processes of an internal bank. Creating efficient solutions in the Treasury area was key for the company. It was also vital to coordinate all the suppliers that were involved in the project. An ambitious project plan was drawn up, which interacted with other plans (such as risk control).The multiple impacts of the project would be managed by other relevant company departments."​What do you enjoy most about your job?"Communication and collaboration with my colleagues, both those in the team and our customers, is something that drives me a lot in my job. Finding solutions to challenges and overcoming them is one of the greatest sources of motivation for me in my work. Working with SAP is not just a work tool that you put in a company - it often becomes a lifestyle."​Which technical development do you think will have the biggest impact on your field or the wider world of IT over the next couple of years?"In the realm of SAP treasury, I believe that the integration of AI and machine learning will have a significant impact over the next couple of years. AI can enhance treasury functions by providing real-time insights, automating routine tasks, and identifying patterns or anomalies in financial data, helping to optimize the cash management, risk management, and financial forecasting. In the wider world of IT, developments in quantum computing hold enormous potential. Quantum computing could revolutionize various industries by solving complex problems much faster than classical computers. Although still in its early stages, advancements in quantum computing could lead to breakthroughs in data security, drug discovery, financial modeling, and many other fields."​What advice would you give to someone who is starting out as a freelance IT consultant?"Starting out as a freelance IT consultant is both exciting and challenging. Here are some tips to help you get started in this area:Clearly define a piece of niche knowledge for yourself. Build a solid portfolio of professional experiences. Leverage your professional network to find potential customers. Provide excellent customer service. Set rates wisely. Stay updated. Continuous learning. Be patient and persistent. Starting out may be challenging, but with the right mindset, dedication, and hard work, you can build a successful freelance IT consulting career."---If you’re an IT consultant looking for your next opportunity, or if you’re a client looking for help staffing a project, contact us today.​

Hire developers with strong AI skills to drive digital transformation, says K2 specialist

Companies can deliver critical technology projects more efficiently if they hire developers who are well versed at using AI to create faster, cleaner code, says Igor Ayello Borges, an experienced full-stack developer.While some perceive AI as a threat to software developer jobs, Igor believes it will instead encourage companies to hire developers who can help them win what he calls the “race for productivity”. Igor started his career in 2005 as a graphic designer before moving into developing games seven years later. He became a full-stack developer in 2016 and is currently working in one of the biggest food companies in Brazil, primarily using the .Net platform and ReactJS.We chatted to Igor about the impact of AI, cloud technology and other major trends that have affected recruitment in the software development space.What are some significant trends that have shaped software development hiring over the past 10 years?Cloud computing:I remember 2011 when every tech blog and news outlet was discussing cloud computing, predicting that within a decade, every application would migrate to the cloud. 10 years later and they were right! Nowadays most of the applications are hosted in the cloud, like Azure or AWS, and a full-stack developer must at least know the basics of how to navigate in a cloud service.Backend development:A lot of new backend languages became popular in the last 10 years like Go and Python. Of course, each language can be applied in certain situations like Python, which is great for data science and big data. Other ‘traditional’ languages like C# and Java are still useful in both new projects and legacy systems.Databases: The traditional SQL databases are still popular and stable like Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, and PostgreSQL. Most of them have a good integration with cloud services. The NoSQL databases are getting popular and they are used in specific applications like data mining, data science and machine learning.Frontend development: When I started as a full-stack developer, the most popular frontend frameworks and plugins were jQuery and Razor, but one year later AngularJS (and then Angular 2), ReactJS and VueJS started to dominate. These tools work well with CSS frameworks like Bootstrap and TailWind.How have these trends evolved more recently, and where do you see them heading in the future?Most of these trends revolve around cloud computing. When I started my career, all the applications were running on conventional servers. Most of the tools I mentioned in the previous question were built to run on these servers. From 10 years ago to now, most of the databases, programming languages and frameworks were developed to run optimized on cloud, which meant the process of running a system in production became faster. In the future, I believe artificial intelligence (AI) will work with the cloud to suggest system optimization and warn developers about possible bugs. What impact do you think AI will have on full-stack development jobs? The AI trend is key to optimizing development and deployment. AI can help developers avoid mistakes and bugs, and suggest better solutions to clean code. It will benefit the software development market and help it operate faster. With more available time, developers can focus on solving problems and present new solutions and features to businesses and product owners.The next biggest challenge to the full-stack developers of the future will be to focus on business problems and less on technical skills. There will also be a race for productivity: companies that can bring more features to clients in a shorter time period will be the winners in their industries.Access K2’s tried-and-tested software development talent for your essential digital transformation projects. Contact us today​