Human-governed AI. How Fortis Solutions is building trust in intelligent infrastructure


Fortis Solutions, an enterprise technology partner with decades of experience across infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data systems, approaches artificial intelligence as a force that is redefining how work is performed while preserving the importance of human contribution. Its perspective reflects a future where human judgment and machine precision operate in tandem, introducing new ways to elevate performance, strengthen decision-making, and expand what teams can accomplish together. 

This perspective emerges within a rapidly evolving landscape where AI continues to influence how organizations operate, decide, and govern. Leadership conversations have shifted from verifying processes to explaining how AI-driven decisions occur, how fairness is maintained, and how control is exercised. This signals a broader transition from traditional compliance models toward governance frameworks that prioritize accountability, transparency, and oversight.

Within this environment, Fortis Solutions emphasizes a foundational principle: AI benefits from human governance. Myron Duckens, President and CEO, says, “Technology becomes meaningful when it reflects human intention. Governance is where intention is translated into action, ensuring that innovation continues with clarity and purpose.” He adds that systems often require clearly defined rules, structured frameworks, and ethical guardrails established by people who understand both operational realities and broader societal expectations. 

Fortis Solutions acknowledges that even with strong governance, human limitations remain part of the equation. Fatigue, cognitive overload, and the complexity of modern infrastructure introduce variables that may influence outcomes in subtle ways. In high-stakes environments such as healthcare systems or large-scale venues, even minor inconsistencies can carry significant implications. CTO Jeremy Roach says, “This reality has shaped how we approach the integration of AI. We view it as a complementary force that enhances human capability while maintaining oversight at every critical juncture.

CTO-Jeremy-Roach
Credit: CTO, Jeremy Roach

At the same time, the current AI landscape presents challenges that require careful consideration. Generative AI systems can produce outputs that appear credible yet lack factual grounding, often referred to as hallucinations. These outcomes frequently stem from gaps in data quality, incomplete context, or overly generalized training models. Tony Gonzalez, CIO, offers a practical perspective on this dynamic. He says, “Data determines direction. When inputs are precise and validated, outcomes become more dependable. That relationship sits at the center of every AI system.

CIO-Tony-Gonzalez
Credit: CIO Tony Gonzalez

 

Concerns around data integrity extend further when considering the widespread use of open and crowdsourced AI models. Industry insights highlight how data provenance, security, and governance remain central concerns for organizations scaling AI initiatives, with a significant percentage of leaders prioritizing risk management and cybersecurity investments. These concerns reflect a broader awareness that while AI introduces new capabilities, it also introduces new considerations around accountability and control.

Another dimension of the current landscape is the pace at which AI innovation is advancing. Roach notes that technological capabilities continue to expand quickly, while governance frameworks, regulatory structures, and organizational policies evolve more gradually. “This creates a gap where systems may operate faster than the mechanisms designed to oversee them,” he explains. The result can include exposure to misinformation, vulnerabilities within infrastructure, and unintended data movement across systems.

Fortis Solutions aims to address this gap through a focus on controlled AI environments. Its approach centers on privatized large language models designed to operate within defined boundaries, using verified internal data rather than external, unfiltered sources. Roach states, “Control creates clarity. When systems learn within a defined environment, they become more aligned with the objectives they are designed to support.” This controlled model is designed to support consistency, help reduce the likelihood of unpredictable outputs, and reinforce confidence in the system’s performance.

Integral to this approach are platforms such as Source of Truth and NetRaven, which function together as interconnected layers within the infrastructure. Source of Truth operates as a centralized decision layer, maintaining a dynamic, real-time understanding of infrastructure components and their relationships. NetRaven complements this by translating system activity into accessible insights through continuous monitoring and visualization. 

Together, they form what the team describes as a SMART operational foundation, an acronym which stands for Seeing everything across the infrastructure, Monitoring activity continuously, Assessing what is happening as conditions evolve, Remediating issues automatically to optimize and troubleshoot, and Translating vendor‑agnostic CLI data into a unified operational language. The goal is to create an environment where accuracy and responsiveness are closely aligned.

According to Roach, this alignment becomes particularly meaningful when considering the role of human error in complex systems. Extended work hours, high-pressure scenarios, and large-scale operations may introduce challenges that affect even the most experienced professionals. 

AI systems can help reduce operational inconsistencies, enhance monitoring capabilities, and provide additional layers of validation,” he says. “In healthcare environments, this may support more consistent system performance, while in business contexts, it may contribute to more reliable operational continuity.

 

Despite these advancements, perceptions around AI continue to evolve. Fortis Solutions points to concerns related to job displacement and data security that often accompany discussions about adoption. The company notes that these sentiments mirror earlier reactions to cloud computing, where initial hesitation transitioned into widespread acceptance as trust and familiarity developed. “Every transformative technology begins with questions. Over time, understanding replaces uncertainty, and organizations begin to see how these tools can extend their capabilities,” Roach remarks.

A key theme within Fortis Solutions’ approach is the importance of collaboration. AI systems can benefit from diverse perspectives, continuous feedback, and the ability to adapt as organizational needs and societal expectations evolve. Input from both technical and non-technical stakeholders contributes to more well-rounded systems, helping ensure that technology reflects a broader range of insights and experiences.

This collaborative dynamic reinforces the idea that AI functions most effectively as a partner. Humans establish the direction, define the parameters, and interpret outcomes, while AI contributes speed, scalability, and analytical depth. Together, they create a model that aims to enhance efficiency while supporting thoughtful decision-making.

As technology and societal expectations continue to evolve, adaptability remains essential. Fortis Solutions argues that systems built with flexibility, strong governance, and secure infrastructure are best positioned to grow with these shifts, ensuring long-term relevance. In this view, AI becomes a broader opportunity to strengthen organizational decision-making and operational resilience. By emphasizing human oversight and collaborative design, Fortis Solutions frames AI as a means to enhance reliability, maintain continuity, and elevate the overall quality of outcomes.



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Recent Reviews


Google Maps has a long list of hidden (and sometimes, just underrated) features that help you navigate seamlessly. But I was not a big fan of using Google Maps for walking: that is, until I started using the right set of features that helped me navigate better.

Add layers to your map

See more information on the screen

Layers are an incredibly useful yet underrated feature that can be utilized for all modes of transport. These help add more details to your map beyond the default view, so you can plan your journey better.

To use layers, open your Google Maps app (Android, iPhone). Tap the layer icon on the upper right side (under your profile picture and nearby attractions options). You can switch your map type from default to satellite or terrain, and overlay your map with details, such as traffic, transit, biking, street view (perfect for walking), and 3D (Android)/raised buildings (iPhone) (for buildings). To turn off map details, go back to Layers and tap again on the details you want to disable.

In particular, adding a street view and 3D/raised buildings layer can help you gauge the terrain and get more information about the landscape, so you can avoid tricky paths and discover shortcuts.

Set up Live View

Just hold up your phone

A feature that can help you set out on walks with good navigation is Google Maps’ Live View. This lets you use augmented reality (AR) technology to see real-time navigation: beyond the directions you see on your map, you are able to see directions in your live view through your camera, overlaying instructions with your real view. This feature is very useful for travel and new areas, since it gives you navigational insights for walking that go beyond a 2D map.

To use Live View, search for a location on Google Maps, then tap “Directions.” Once the route appears, tap “Walk,” then tap “Live View” in the navigation options. You will be prompted to point your camera at things like buildings, stores, and signs around you, so Google Maps can analyze your surroundings and give you accurate directions.

Download maps offline

Google Maps without an internet connection

Whether you’re on a hiking trip in a low-connectivity area or want offline maps for your favorite walking destinations, having specific map routes downloaded can be a great help. Google Maps lets you download maps to your device while you’re connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, and use them when your device is offline.

For Android, open Google Maps and search for a specific place or location. In the placesheet, swipe right, then tap More > Download offline map > Download. For iPhone, search for a location on Google Maps, then, at the bottom of your screen, tap the name or address of the place. Tap More > Download offline map > Download.

After you download an area, use Google Maps as you normally would. If you go offline, your offline maps will guide you to your destination as long as the entire route is within the offline map.

Enable Detailed Voice Guidance

Get better instructions

Voice guidance is a basic yet powerful navigation tool that can come in handy during walks in unfamiliar locations and can be used to ensure your journey is on the right path. To ensure guidance audio is enabled, go to your Google Maps profile (upper right corner), then tap Settings > Navigation > Sound and Voice. Here, tap “Unmute” on “Guidance Audio.”

Apart from this, you can also use Google Assistant to help you along your journey, asking questions about your destination, nearby sights, detours, additional stops, etc. To use this feature on iPhone, map a walking route to a destination, then tap the mic icon in the upper-right corner. For Android, you can also say “Hey Google” after mapping your destination to activate the assistant.

Voice guidance is handy for both new and old places, like when you’re running errands and need to navigate hands-free.

Add multiple stops

Keep your trip going

If you walk regularly to run errands, Google Maps has a simple yet effective feature that can help you plan your route in a better way. With Maps’ multiple stop feature, you can add several stops between your current and final destination to minimize any wasted time and unnecessary detours.

To add multiple stops on Google Maps, search for a destination, then tap “Directions.” Select the walking option, then click the three dots on top (next to “Your Location”), and tap “Edit Stops.” You can now add a stop by searching for it and tapping “Add Stop,” and swap the stops at your convenience. Repeat this process by tapping “Add Stops” until your route is complete, then tap “Start” to begin your journey.

You can add up to ten stops in a single route on both mobile and desktop, and use the journey for multiple modes (walking, driving, and cycling) except public transport and flights. I find this Google Maps feature to be an essential tool for travel to walkable cities, especially when I’m planning a route I am unfamiliar with.


More to discover

A new feature to keep an eye out for, especially if you use Google Maps for walking and cycling, is Google’s Gemini boost, which will allow you to navigate hands-free and get real-time information about your journey. This feature has been rolling out for both Android and iOS users.



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