Content Enablement: Why Content Deserves More Attention

October 13, 2021

Each employee creates an average of 850 business documents per month, including emails. Quick access to the required information, therefore essential for the efficient creation of documents.

The genius rules chaos. This saying can be questioned with a clear conscience, at least in the corporate environment. Chaos is seldom beneficial at the corporate level and rarely in the context of documents and files. After all, each employee creates an average of 850 of these business documents, including emails, every month. Therefore, fast and easy access to the required information is an essential factor for content enablement, i.e., the efficient creation and editing of documents.

But the reality is far from being quick and easy. The chaos is still present in many places and is poorly addressed by companies. This is the result of a current study by Teamplay, for which over 1,100 employees from various industries and departments were surveyed.

Content Enablement: Corporate Content Is Widely Dispersed

The tenor of the survey is consistently the same: company content, from images, descriptions, and company development to disclaimers, fonts, or logos, is almost always scattered across different storage locations and applications. Employees often have to diligently track down the new boilerplate or ask their colleagues for the current logo. This not only costs nerves – but it is also a natural efficiency killer. Every second person says they spend at least four to six hours a week looking for this information using digital tools. The time that, conversely, is missing for critical technical tasks.

Conquer The New Normal With Consolidated Tools

With increasing digitalization and development towards the hybrid working model that can hardly be stopped due to the corona pandemic, companies should now equip their employees with the appropriate applications at the latest. Tools that significantly support the new work environment, characterized by flexibility between home and office. So there is a need for digital applications that are easy to learn and integrated into the existing tools in the workplace. True to the motto: less is more. Simply implementing standalone applications would further aggravate the problem of tool overload – and thus the document chaos.

Many employees would like to invest in intelligent, digital solutions. According to the Teamplay study, one in three believes that their own company has not yet introduced the right technologies for the hybrid working model. Almost 40 percent say that managing information such as documents, images, and files is more difficult in a hybrid work environment.

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Content Enablement – Evolution Of Enterprise Content Management

Existing ECM solutions aim to manage unstructured and structured company content, but not all problems are solved. The complex architectures in implementation and maintenance are too expensive and demanding. In addition, new features can only be adapted slowly in the ever faster digital transformation. And even large companies are increasingly turning to specialized microservices instead of all-in-one solutions.

Integration of the existing ECM systems with these new applications is essential, but in reality, it involves an enormous amount of resources. Documents are stored centrally in ECM solutions, but the complicated and error-prone workflows do not call up the potential of the company content efficiently enough.

Central Administration Of All Required Information And Files

This is why experts are increasingly speaking of the growing importance of content enablement solutions. Because content enablement should be able to master precisely this problem, namely to guarantee efficient creation and processing of business documents with digital tools by managing all required information and files centrally and via interfaces directly in the typical applications at the workplace, such as Google Workplace, Microsoft Office or Salesforce, are available.

Because distributed teams and scattered information are often a reality today – these challenges do not decrease in the hybrid work environment:

Tapping the shoulder of the person sitting next to you to ask about the storage location or the correctness of the document content is often simply no longer possible. According to the study, four out of ten employees fear difficult conditions for working with colleagues and adverse effects on their productivity. But what demands do employees place on the digital tools in the workplace of the future?

Corporate Content As A Business Driver

Corporate content is more than just emails, images, and metadata. Instead, they form the sum of all available information of a company to set up business documents of all kinds. For example, purchase contracts only receive legally adequate protection with the correct exclusions of liability. Therefore, a company that consistently provides its employees with valid disclaimers in an uncomplicated and efficient manner is well advised. Otherwise, you risk expensive consequences: In an emergency, a void contract has no legal basis. There is a risk of lost sales or claims for damages.

Other examples are presentations and pitch decks to attract investors or inspire customers. Here, too, employees are dependent on conveying the information they need with the help of company content. Whether it’s a picture, information about the company history, infographics about the product, or diagrams about profitability – if employees can access this information quickly and easily insert it in the desired location, they increase their efficiency and increase the chances of success of the document.

Content Enablement: Insights Into The Performance Of Documents

Ultimately, however, there remains a hint of residual doubt even after these documents have been successfully set up and sent. Employees can often only estimate how draft contracts, entire pitch decks, or individual slides reach the recipient. Modern solutions provide a remedy here. Using a tracking function, they analyze, among other things, the opening rate of sent documents, the length of time spent on individual elements such as graphics, and the click rate of integrated links. This gives employees insights into the performance of the documents.

For example, if the readers only skim through a graphic that is essential for the document’s message, employees can make adjustments. You can rework the graphics, place them in a more prominent position in the document or change the design. In this way, documents are continuously optimized. So the importance of content enablement is by no means just a child of the pandemic.

Although the crisis and hybrid work have made the problems in dealing with documents clear, the factors for a positive operating result have always been:

No contract conclusion without a firm draft contract
No financing without a meaningful pitch deck
No new customer acquisition without convincing presentation materials

It is all the more critical that companies – also, thanks to the past few months – put solutions for content enablement on their schedule. For the benefit of the company and its employees.

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Customer Experience: Service Ideas Strengthen Customer Relationships

Techno Rumours

October 12, 2021

Customer Experience This Is How Innovative Service Ideas Strengthen

Customer Experience In the manufacturing industry, data-based services expand the previous product focus. Models that build on this offer, ample potential for more business after the mere purchase. Differentiation in price and evolutionary advances in product quality has long been the pillars of companies’ business models in the manufacturing sector.

But is that still enough today? According to Salesforce’s State of the Connected Customer Report, eight out of ten private and business customers consider service and customer experience to be at least as important as the product itself.

Innovative service ideas, both in the pre-sales and post-sales phase, are decisive for business success. Product-related services also offer the potential for new income opportunities even after the purchase. Ideally, it is possible to expand the added value over the entire product life cycle and sustainably strengthen customer relationships.

Digital Customer Data: Fuel For Customer-Oriented Service Offers

Webs hop to electronic order processing via the self-service portal to automated maintenance services – all touchpoints have to merge into a real omnichannel. This is the only way manufacturing companies can offer their customers an unmistakable brand experience in every phase. No matter how broad the range of topics for the different service options is, they are all based on data. This is because intelligent analysis methods can precisely determine the current requirement situation and forecast future requirements with a high degree of accuracy.

Due to the corona pandemic, digital contact channels to customers in all branches of the economy have become part of everyday life. Almost 60 percent of all decision-makers are certain that this change will continue even after the pandemic has subsided in the manufacturing industry. This is the result of the recently published Salesforce study “Trends in Manufacturing.” However, the overwhelming majority of the companies surveyed for the report – namely 96 percent – see a major challenge in consolidating existing customer data across locations and extracting additional information value from it in real-time.

Customer Experience: Consistent Customer Focus Is Not A ‘Nice To Have.’

For a long time, the manufacturing industry was primarily characterized by product properties and innovations and scaling effects through mass production. In times of shorter product life cycles and the desire for individualized properties and functions, the ‘all-around,’ i.e., the customer experience, is becoming more and more important. Companies looking for a golden future must heed: Business customers also expect services in the B2B area that they know from their private shopping experience. For example: which provider can deliver at what speed? What options are available for individual adaptation? How reliably does customer service work? All of these are central questions that companies have concerning customer loyalty.

Therefore, producers must rethink their approach and place their customers at the center of all activities instead of their products. This, in turn, requires a new mindset both in management and in the workforce. Because even more important than the merging of the data is what companies make of it, with the customer in mind and a well-founded database, tailor-made product and service offers, and even completely new business models can be created.

Not surprising because real customer orientation requires a 360-degree view of the entire supply chain and every customer system. For this, however, relevant data from different sources must be brought together company-wide across locations. The basis for this is a CRM that depicts a uniform database of customer history. Manufacturing companies with a 360-degree view of the respective customer from development to quality control have a clear advantage.

Customer Experience Promises Economic Effects

In the manufacturing industry, in particular, the paradigm of customer orientation promises not only closer customer loyalty and the associated increase in sales, but also other tangible economic effects: With cloud-based demand forecasts, for example, the occupancy plan for machinery and equipment can be planned, and material procurement planned more precisely. In warehouse logistics, this reduces the storage buffers previously required – which minimizes the capital commitment and consequently improves cash flow.

The company is with architects and building planners Renowned around the world for its elastic architectural concrete forms and matrices. In the past, however, business communication was mainly carried out via the construction industry, on whose behalf, for example, facade elements manufactured in the concrete plant most suitable for the respective design – the classic case of an indirect sales channel.

Beneficial For Companies, Customers – And The Environment

To be able to address the actual decision-makers, i.e., planners and architectural offices, more directly and optimally support their projects, the company decided in favor of Salesforce’s Sales Cloud even before the corona pandemic: Since then, sales professionals have been logging every customer contact with an app.

This information flows into a consistent database via the cloud, which enables real-time evaluations in the executive suite at any time according to freely selectable criteria via the dashboard. The company website and various social media channels are also integrated into the solution so that a customer’s sample download, for example, immediately triggers the appropriate action by the responsible account manager.

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ERP Project: How Does The System Become A Knowledge Factor?

Techno Rumours

October 12, 2021

ERP Project How Does The System Become A Knowledge Factor

Consistent ERP project systems ensure more transparency and a more solid basis for decision-making. To draw as much business,-relevant knowledge as possible from the abundance of digital information, all ERP users must recognize the benefits of the software. This only works with targeted preparation and competent advice.

An ERP implementation is a trendsetting step for every company. Of course, the basic orientation, the core functionalities, and the future viability of the software are decisive aspects of a purchase decision. At least as important, however, are the points of project preparation, advice, and training to achieve the greatest possible process benefit and knowledge gain with the software later on. Because all too often, it can be observed that the beneficial effects do not occur because the comprehensive possibilities of the respective systems are not known either to the decision-makers or to the end-users. For this reason, all employees who are to work with the system should be actively involved in the ERP project from the start to formulate their requirements for the system.

In many cases, this results in a much more specific requirement profile than would be possible by simply checking off theoretical functionality catalogs in overflowing specification sheets.

Change As An Opportunity

The ERP project is usually successful when everyone involved is ready to allow process changes that will inevitably occur. Therefore, the key is to face this transformation process positively and see it as an opportunity for continuous improvement. This works best when employees are clear about possible challenges in the course of the project.

Against this background, it is helpful if the project is structured and the users can orientate themselves on a tried and tested “timetable.” To ensure this, we rely on a tried and tested five-phase methodology with clearly defined steps: from process analysis and basic organizational advice to mapping all existing structures in what is known as business process modeling, customizing the standard components and customizing, as well as preparing for the real start to going live.

The business process modeling and a model study of the processes are integral parts of every maser implementation to record the users’ operations in detail and compare them with the standard procedures of the software. In this way, the need for organizational change becomes visible, and any change steps can be initiated at an early stage. Conversely, this means that the change process described above will take place, for which all those involved in the project will be prepared in advance. “Issues were discussed that neither the company management nor the employees had on their radar in the run-up to the ERP project. Unadorned, it was pointed out where any problems with the implementation are to be expected. As a result, the employees were able to prepare much better. “

ERP Project – Practical Expertise In Consulting

Whether an ERP project can be successfully implemented depends on the expertise of the consultants. In addition to the human and social component, it is particularly about the necessary specialist and industry knowledge. The consultants must be able to quickly understand the processes and working methods of the respective user company to be mapped as best as possible in the software. Our customers and interested parties come from the individual, order, and variant production. In this environment, the software provides basic functionalities such as the “growing parts list” or the uncomplicated management of parts without article numbers.

It is also an advantage if the consultants themselves have worked in the batch size 1+ environment. “The arms consultants conveyed to us from the start that you didn’t have to explain the process requirements in special or packaging machine construction to them for long. On the contrary: Her deep understanding of our business requirements put her immediately in a position to advise us competently at a high level. “

Looked for a lean solution that provides all the important functions for make-to-order manufacturers and special machine builders and maps their core processes. Cites the people involved at amps as a further important reason for the decision: “Apart from the pure software functionality, the ERP provider should above all fit personally and professionally. In addition to a high level of industry expertise, we expect the consultants to be willing to get involved with a medium-sized company and always focus on the process standard of the software. “

In addition to the pure functionality, other factors are decisive for developing a company-wide knowledge pool using ERP software: its consistency, willingness to change on the part of the customers, and the consultants’ deep understanding of the industry. If these factors come together, the user companies benefit from more efficient process structures and more basic knowledge for better business decisions.

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Software Evaluation – What Is Important

Techno Rumours

October 11, 2021

The implementation of business software evaluation requires organizational changes. Various processes were redesigned at the manufacturers. Thanks to general process orientation, everyone involved knew what was important in the software evaluation.

The management of the particular machine manufacturer places great value on providing comprehensive customer support throughout the project. In other words, from the project planning phase to assembly and through to the handling of after-sales. All machines, systems and vehicles manufactured are unique.

Software Evaluation – Ready For Organizational Changes

When fulfilling individual customer requests, those responsible were increasingly faced with the problem of maintaining an overview of the overall capacity utilization, the cost development and the progress of the individual projects. One of the main reasons for this was a lack of support in the software evaluation. An outdated ERP system was in use that did not fit the make-to-order manufacturer and had therefore been continuously adapted and ‘bent’ over time. In addition, various isolated solutions made the flow of data more difficult. To bring significantly more transparency into the processes, the company management decided to tackle the selection of a new ERP system.

At the top of the list of requirements was the consistency of the system, including time recording and accounting. Another essential requirement was a seamlessly functioning interface to the CAD or PDM system. As a result, critical value-added processes such as design, procurement, and production occur in parallel with one another. The procurement and manufacturing processes start while product development is still in full swing.

General Process Orientation Clarifies What Is Essential In Software Evaluation

Those responsible for the project were aware that the implementation of company-wide business software would require organizational changes. An external management consultant should evaluate the plant manufacturer’s processes to avoid aligning the software selection with the previous organizational structure. Various processes were redesigned as a result. Thanks to this general process orientation, everyone involved knew what was important in the software evaluation.

It was shown relatively quickly that generalist solutions without a focus on batch size were suitable due to a lack of functionality. After a few specialized providers had presented their solutions, the most significant matches were found at amps. Solution. Based on the suggestions of the key users, their consultants carried out a business process modelling, at which point the key users checked the processes in the test system and quickly gave the green light.

The introduction worked without any problems, as the industry software standard was adopted entirely except for an adjustment. Staying so close to the standard offers the advantage of an uncomplicated release change and requires the willingness to make organizational changes. Purchasing an ERP project manager Sascha Marcher says: “After the intensive discussions with the provider, it was clear to us that, thanks to decades of project experience, they knew exactly how a standard process in contract manufacturing should work. We used that as a guide, which worked very well and worked much more productively today. “

Sales Growth Of 15 Percent Thanks To New Industry Software

An example: The production department received a parts list from the design department, checked this list and passed the information on to purchase on paper. The information on the slip was entered into the system, and order was generated from it. Today, however, the design department creates a parts list in arms. ERP and releases it electronically. The production manager has the parts list directly on his computer and uses it to generate the production requirements, which are forwarded by the system to purchasing, where orders are placed. “This paperless and transparent process in a consistent system prevents transmission and writing errors. This has significantly reduced throughput times and costs,” .

To illustrate the increase in efficiency through the use of the industry software, it is worth looking at the purchasing volume of more than seven million euros, which only two employees manage. The software provides the necessary flexibility in the design of the construction processes, especially when dealing with parts lists, and also provides tried and tested standard processes.

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Cloud Apps And Edge Apps: Hype Or Helpful Technology?

Techno Rumours

October 11, 2021

Edge And Cloud Apps Hype Or Helpful Technology

Regarding apps for cloud or edge applications in production opinions differ: Some companies introduce such solutions in processes and systems. In contrast, others do not yet see any concrete benefits. Cloud apps offer a lot of potential for process improvements, as practical use cases show.

Edge and cloud apps promise more efficient maintenance, a better overview and more productivity. The intelligent apps for use in production systems and machines use the data from the system automation to generate recommendations for action for service technicians and system operators. However, companies have a split opinion about introducing the corresponding solutions. While some companies are already using such solutions, others have so far held back.

Cloud Apps: Acceptance Does Not Only Depend On The Willingness To Innovate

The significant differences in the acceptance of cloud and edge-based apps can be explained by different levels of willingness to innovate among those responsible for different innovation cycles in the respective industries. Instead, the reason is that in many cases, the benefits of IIoT technologies such as edge or cloud platforms are not known or are not sufficiently related to the challenges in their production environment.

In other words: Every company knows problems with processes, productivity or product quality. Still, not all of them know that edge and cloud technologies provide suitable tools to resolve these problems quickly – and that some ways and means reduce risks and costs when introducing these technologies to a minimum.

Cloud Apps And Automation: With Each Other Instead Of Against Each Other

A frequent requirement in production is to generate notifications and messages from the automation and send them to other systems to make a system operator aware of a malfunction or provide production management with current critical figures from an assembly line. This function can also be implemented in the automation system. However, such solutions are associated with a lot of effort. This notification function is much easier to implement with edge or cloud apps.

To do this, the machine only needs to be retrofitted with an interface to the cloud or with an industrial-edge-capable device – the actual automation remains unaffected. In addition to notification, the app also supports a feedback channel so that tasks within teams can also be managed and coordinated. The Notified app supplements classic automation with a notification function, making interaction with the systems significantly easier.

Practical Support For Device Management

The topic of device management also shows how much automation can benefit from edge and cloud apps. The maintenance of the installed devices is a complex task, especially in highly automated systems. Sometimes hundreds of different devices at different locations and systems have to be updated regularly without a central device management system available in IT. In many cases, this meant that employees had to install updates on-site in the system – with all the associated costs.

With edge apps, the data from the automation can be evaluated directly on the machine in the edge device and tasks such as the central management of the installed devices and systems can be optimized – even without a cloud connection. With this app, commissioning and service activities for Sematic automation devices, such as the assignment of IP addresses or firmware updates, can be carried out in parallel for several devices – this not only saves time and reduces possible sources of error.

Diagnostic data from automation can also be evaluated more easily than before with Edge apps. For example, users can correlate machine status data as well as alarms and diagnostic data recorded in the Industrial Edge app Machine Insight with each other and with corresponding KPIs, and in this way identify and remedy the causes of errors more efficiently – and thus improve the availability and performance of machines.

Cloud Apps Improve Knowledge Management

Cloud apps help the teams in production and service with their tasks, but they also help companies use another central resource more effectively: the knowledge of their employees. In every production, some experts know exactly why plant A needs different parameters than plant B, what to do if a unit fails on a particular machine – and thus make an invaluable contribution to productivity. But what if these experts leave the company? How can this knowledge be used in other teams and at other locations?

Informal networks among colleagues often help here, but with the right digital tools, this collaboration can be intensified and documented. If there are problems with a system, colleagues and experts can be contacted and involved in finding a solution. For this purpose, the app provides standard methods from quality management such as Ishikawa or 5 Why and documents the solution found. Companies can set up their knowledge database from which all locations benefit – and support operators and maintenance managers in increasing the uptime of machines and systems.

Add Data Processing Options To Automation

By integrating cloud and edge applications, numerous typical tasks in the production environment can be efficiently and effectively supported. Apps can supplement the existing automation with efficient data preparation and processing options without having to intervene heavily in the machine or system architecture. Existing machines or systems can also be retrofitted with corresponding IIoT gateways or edge devices, reducing investment costs and lowering the risks for ongoing system operation.

Users must choose an open and secure platform that offers them both the option of using ready-to-use apps and developing their solutions – either as high-level language applications or with the help of low-code applications such as those offered by Mendix. In this way, for example, initial applications can also be implemented with generic apps to identify potential and create corresponding business cases. These results can then be rolled out on a broader basis – and the possibilities of the Industrial Internet of Things can be used in your own company.

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Technology And Medicine : Digitization Offers In The Health Sector

Techno Rumours

October 11, 2021

Technology is making great strides towards the future almost every day. The medical sector is now also benefiting greatly from digitization. Various apps provide information about your health.

Under certain circumstances, visits to the doctor can also be purely digital, and health insurance can be managed digitally. Even the federal government is banking on the future with its Corona app. Medicine and technology will probably continue to go hand in hand in the future. At this point, we have summarized the possibilities that are now available and how people can benefit from them.

E-Health And Digital Health

For the topic of “digital health” to be promoted, the Government has already correctly recognized that, above all, digital infrastructures must be created and further developed. Digital technologies can then help to cope with future challenges, such as demographic change and the chronic shortage of doctors, particularly in rural areas.

The so-called e-health initiative is already one such approach that aims to advance other digital processes already running in the health sector in the future. It is now the case that people monitor their health themselves with so-called wearables, in the form of smartwatches and fitness bracelets. Patients search online for doctors, their office hours and illnesses. People are also increasingly finding out about healthy lifestyles online and via apps.

Apps On The Smartphone That Make You Healthy

The market for health programs is enormous and in demand. Fitness apps and lifestyle apps that are designed to help users achieve a healthy lifestyle are top-rated. They can count the steps and traditionally set small challenges. The keyword here is “playful”.

We feel that the interest in health and physical fitness has never been greater. This can also be seen in the current fitness market. Sports and exercise apps on smartphones playfully drive their users to exercise. Commands from the app, such as “Just 100 steps more” or “Just get up twice”, encourage you to pass daily personal challenges. The motivation remains at a high level.

Other health apps that are supposed to help you drink enough water during the day are also running successfully. People are relieved of the responsibility to think about something for themselves. At the same time, the competitive nature of such apps encourages them to become and stay active. yazio, for example, is an app that combines everything, i.e. fitness, health and nutrition. We may even look forward to the fact that there will be health apps like this on prescription soon.

Manage Insurance Digitally

Insurance is a significant area of healthcare. Nobody can do without health insurance, be it private or statutory. To raise your insurance coverage to a digital level, this is where digital insurance managers, such as the CLARK app, come into play.

Here, patients not only find information about their insurance at a glance. All policies can be viewed in one place and are always with you on your smartphone if necessary. Based on this, the team behind the app makes suggestions for optimizing insurance coverage.

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Medicine And Technology: Go To The Doctor Digitally

Shortly, we can assume that digital consultations with general practitioners can become the standard, even if this will not necessarily replace personal contact. Since 2020, doctors have been allowed to look after an unlimited number of patients during one consultation hour. This is particularly useful when it is only about agreements and no significant investigations.

If the patient needs a referral to a specialist, patients can do this easily over the Internet. If the patient has cold or flu symptoms, it is possible to take sick leave remotely. If only a follow-up recipe is required, just one click is enough. In this way, digital consultation hours could make the lives of doctors and patients much more straightforward.

To take advantage of the video consultation, everyone involved needs a certain amount of essential equipment. In the practices, computers with cameras and microphones are sufficient. Loudspeakers or headphones are also required. A smartphone or tablet and a suitable app are usually sufficient for patients.

Medicine And Technology: Digital Health Record

Meanwhile, the digital offer even goes beyond health apps and video doctor visits. There are currently several developers who offer so-called digital health records. Patients can enter the relevant health data in the app, save it and always have it at hand.

The advantage of this is obvious: when patients go to a new general practitioner for the first time or see a specialist, they do not yet know anything about their state of health. In most cases, an extensive self-assessment must first be filled out, but it does not yet cover all areas.

Digital health records offer the option of synchronizing all requested information and data with the doctor’s database. That saves a lot of work for everyone involved. Even in emergencies, doctors only have to look at the electronic health record and know immediately.

The disadvantage here, however, is that all health data must be stored in the cloud. So you run the risk of becoming a transparent patient. In addition, input errors and bugs are feared that could jeopardize appropriate treatment. Nevertheless, the experts believe that an electronic health record is an absolute must for the future health system.

Don’t exclude seniors

Our society is getting older and older, and older people, in particular, should benefit from services such as digital consultation hours. Unfortunately, the new technology is still somewhat alien to many senior citizens. Although computers and smartphones are part of our everyday lives, older people in particular often don’t know what to do with them. They are denied access to such digital offers. To prevent this from happening, politicians have to make enormous improvements. People have to learn to deal with medicine and technology to be able to use the offer.

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IIoT In The Service Area: 5 Scenarios For A Quick Start

Techno Rumours

October 9, 2021

When it comes to projects to implement IIoT in the industry, many people think of long terms and high IT budgets. But IIoT initiatives don’t have to be complex and expensive. A lot of potential lies dormant, especially in the service area, which can easily be exploited.

Higher service quality, lower maintenance costs and better spare parts availability: The advantages of IIoT in the service environment are manifold and can often be implemented with relatively simple means. A suitably selected, scalable and secure IoT platform and some connectivity – and you’re ready to go. ECS, the provider of IoT and PLM solutions, has put together five use cases that are particularly suitable for rapid implementation.

IIoT: Condition Monitoring

The condition monitoring of machines and technical products provides manufacturers with a database for various IoT applications. But even as a stand-alone solution, condition monitoring offers many advantages. Because the data obtained employing sensors help to understand machines and products better, for example, progressive wear and tear or the malfunction of individual components can be quickly identified and remedied at an early stage – thus improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Data on the operating conditions also provide essential information for guarantee and warranty cases. If specific symptoms accumulate, this is an opportunity to develop products further. Condition monitoring also opens up the opportunity to offer better or new services, such as the direct replenishment of consumables.

Remote Diagnosis And Remote Maintenance

Experience shows that around 35 per cent of all service cases can be resolved remotely across industries with IIoT: an enormous cost saving that leads to a quick ROI (return on investment) for IIoT projects. Thanks to remote access, manufacturers can also comply with service level agreements (SLAs) more easily or offer improved service levels, thus generating additional sales. Customers, in turn, benefit from faster troubleshooting and higher system or product availability. With the solution architecture, companies have to pay attention to solid security mechanisms – right up to the encrypted handshake during the automated registration of a device in the network.

If a service case cannot be resolved remotely, it can be identified or narrowed down. But even then, a specialist does not always have to be on site. Thanks to augmented or mixed reality technologies, even less experienced service technicians or customers can directly solve many problems. For example, step-by-step instructions or additional information are shown on a tablet or data glasses display.

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Software Updates

Software and firmware can be found in more and more devices and machines today: whether in sensors, networked vehicles or production systems. So it’s all the more important to keep it up to date. Patches and updates can be distributed and installed automatically and precisely via remote access, depending on the operating system, region or processor load. For mobile devices, an over-the-air update via WLAN or cellular network is ideal. If errors occur, they can be rectified immediately. Companies not only extend the life cycle of globally distributed IoT devices. You can also subsequently increase the performance of delivered products, address security issues and even activate new functions temporarily or permanently.

Spare Parts Management With The Support Of IIoT

Those who procure, store and provide spare parts as needed can significantly improve their first-time fix rate. The service technician can only solve the problem if the necessary spare parts are available at the first appointment. To ensure this, all spare parts processes should run automatically, from requirement request to provision. Ideally, a networked device reports the status of wear parts or consumables and the necessary replacement is automatically ordered or even sent – even before the customer contacts support.

Another aspect: By forecasting future spare parts requirements, inventories and suppliers can be better controlled, and storage costs can be reduced – with maximum availability at the same time. In addition, IoT-based spare parts management also provides essential information for optimizing pricing. Integration with the existing warehouse management, disposition, and ERP systems is recommended to exploit all facets of this IoT scenario fully.

Field Service Control With IIoT

Inefficient service calls unnecessarily drive up costs and annoy customers. This is precisely where an intelligent customer service control comes in: It automatically assigns service cases to the most suitable technicians – according to know-how, location and availability; it ensures that the demand for spare parts or consumables supplied by the machines is at the right place on time, and it continuously optimized route planning so that travel times are shortened, and travel costs are reduced.

The field service control thus makes a decisive contribution to improving the first resolution rate. Companies and customers benefit from faster service processing and higher service quality. A little connectivity and a suitable industrial IoT platform are sufficient for implementation. However, it can make sense to integrate existing ticketing, scheduling, and route planning solutions in individual cases.

IIoT: Scenarios Provide The Basis For Innovative Business Models

There are, therefore, many starting points for digitization in service. If use cases and roadmap are defined cleanly, and future-proof together with experienced consultants, significant savings, process improvements and even new sources of income can be quickly realized. “In addition to the cost advantages, it is precisely these scenarios that form an essential basis for innovative business models that differentiate themselves from the competition,”. In his many years of practical experience, it has been shown time and again that if you have managed to get started with a more straightforward use case, more complex IoT initiatives such as predictive maintenance or product-as-a-service offers are much more manageable.

ALSO READ: AI Solutions: Companies Are Lagging In The Implementation

AI Solutions: Companies Are Lagging In The Implementation

Techno Rumours

October 9, 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic puts the power of AI solutions in the spotlight as companies use them to predict trends in real-time, personalize customer experiences and even research vaccines against the coronavirus. However, the crisis also shows the limits of the previous use of AI in business.

A new study by ESI Thought Lab and several manufacturers, including Cognizant, examines the prevalence of AI solutions in companies in 15 countries.
Half of the companies surveyed are in the early stages of developing AI solutions.

Artificial intelligence models had to be reprogrammed to continue functioning in a time of dramatic change. As the pandemic catapults companies into a digitized world, AI is becoming one of the most important drivers for growth and competitiveness. As digital executives know, this technology is not a silver bullet or a one-size-fits-all solution. AI solutions can fail if the wrong business case is chosen, the correct data is not identified, processed incorrectly, or the model is not designed to scale. This is why AI results vary so widely today.

AI Solutions: More Than Half Of Companies In The Early Stages

To help executives drive the ROI of AI solutions, ESI Though Lab and providers of AI solutions, including Cognizant, conducted a benchmarking study with around 1,200 companies in 15 countries. In Europe, more than half of the companies surveyed are in the early stages of AI development and are classified as either beginners or implementers.

AI Solutions Play An Essential Role In Performance

The most significant advantages of companies are reflected in their more human-centered approach to AI. In addition to higher productivity , increased customer satisfaction and greater employee engagement also play an essential role. In return, however, executives also expect these advantages to increase profitability .

Companies Need To Accelerate To Meet AI Goals

Companies are lagging behind their options in the field of AI. They must accelerate their efforts to implement the ambitious public sector plans and catch up with America and the Asia Pacific competition. Compared to other regions.

Europe Is Lagging When It Comes To Implementing AI Applications

Companies are also lagging behind those in America and Asia-Pacific when implementing almost all AI applications. They are weakening, especially on the personal side: developing and recruiting AI talents , using the ecosystem and coordinating AI -Experts and business teams The only area where companies are ahead is in defining business scenarios and implementation plans, which reflects their thoughtful approach to AI.

Challenges In Using AI Solutions

For companies, the main issues are the implementation of AI solutions and project management , regulatory restrictions , risk and ethics management , data management and limited AI capabilities and -Talents . Some relate to internal restrictions in managing projects and data. Others, such as regulatory constraints and limited talent, reflect the realities of doing business.

Make Investments In AI Technology

To catch up with competitors in North, Central and South America and the APAC region, companies wisely invest considerable sums in AI . In terms of sales, they invest almost as much as Asian companies and significantly more than their competitors in America . Companies are increasing their spending faster than American companies and expect their budgets to double in growth over the next three years.

“For companies, the level of development of AI determines the next step. The lessons learned from your predecessors can help you move forward. When starting, it’s important to get the foundation right. That is why two-thirds of AI beginners emphasize ensuring that their IT architecture and data management system can support AI. A further 57 percent advise providing a sufficient budget. As the company matures, these basic IT, data and budget hurdles decrease. At the same time, other organizations and personnel challenges emerge,”.

“AI leaders understand the benefits of working together, both inside and outside their company. You value the collaboration between AI specialists and business teams to identify use cases. They are also taking proactive steps to expand their ecosystem of AI partners, suppliers and consultants. To scale AI, executives understand how important it is to have an entrepreneurial mindset and set up a workforce plan to get employees on board. “

Cognizant is a service and consulting company that aims to transform companies’ business, operating, and technology models into the digital era. The industry-based consulting approach helps them to build and manage a more innovative and efficient company.

ALSO READ: AI Systems In Accounting: Companies Can Use The Enormous Potential

AI Systems In Accounting: Companies Can Use The Enormous Potential

Techno Rumours

October 9, 2021

Finance and accounting face many challenges in the digital transformation. New technologies can help cope with these, as they can take on more complex tasks. Despite the enormous efficiency potential, many companies still hesitate to use them.

Suppose RPA and AI systems are used in accounting. In that case, this enables, among other things, data processing in real-time, automated checking for anomalies, forecast calculations and benchmarking as well as the automatic reading and further processing of invoices and receipts. The challenges for finance and accounting have increased in times of globalization, networking, and rapid technological progress.

AI Systems Offer An Efficient Analysis

The global increase in digital data and the associated increased risk and compliance requirements, and the acute shortage of skilled workers make it impossible to record all information manually. The automation of individual processes in accounting helps to analyze and prepare data in a targeted and efficient manner. The use of new technologies relieves employees of their routine tasks and creates freedom for higher-quality and more demanding tasks.

While business transactions have mainly been automatically recorded, processed and stored in ERP systems for several years, new innovative technologies such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) or artificial intelligence (AI) are also used in finance and accounting. These promise enormous efficiency potential, as they can be used around the clock 365 days a year without additional human, manual intervention and only require a fraction of the human processing time.

With the help of these technologies, processes can be accelerated and more reliable, and higher quality results can be achieved by processing a higher volume of data. The use of RPA and AI systems enables, among other things, data processing in real-time, automated checking for anomalies, forecast calculations and benchmarking as well as the automatic reading and further processing of invoices and receipts.

Companies Hesitate To Use AI

However, the application of the new technologies in finance and accounting is still in its infancy, so many companies hesitate to use them to process sensitive data in finance. This is also shown by the PwC study “Digitization in Finance and Accounting 2020” results. Currently, only 15 percent of companies use robotics or AI in accounting. However, the results also show that the benefits have intensified for companies that have already used AI. It is to be expected that the use of RPA and AI systems will also gain importance in the future in finance and accounting.

AI Systems Are A Case For The Strategic Plan

However, digitization is not just a technical question. And it is a strategic and organizational challenge. The best technologies will not help if managers and employees are not taken on the journey into the digital age from the start. It is necessary that the digitization of finance and accounting is included on the companies’ strategic agendas and that the departments are actively involved in the implementation.

The sustainable design of digital change is a decisive factor in securing growth potential and remaining competitive in the long term. How quickly and to what extent new technologies will find a permanent place in finance and accounting remains to be seen. These will undoubtedly change fundamentally due to the increasing use of technology.

ALSO READ: Container Technology: 6 Essential Developments In 2021

Container Technology: 6 Essential Developments In 2021

Techno Rumours

October 9, 2021

With the beginning of the corona pandemic, many companies stepped up their digitization efforts. container technology is most important, When migrating to the cloud,. Those responsible for IT should always take these six significant developments into account.

The corona pandemic and the associated developments such as the strong growth in e-commerce or working from home have led many companies to accelerate their digital transformation and thus also their migration to the cloud. A central aspect is the transformation processes towards a cloud-native architecture based on container technology, which promises to maximize the advantages of the cloud.

Not only companies but also developers can benefit from cloud-native technologies and thus significantly increase their efficiency. Because cloud-native architectures are mapped using container technology, they have become the simplest variant of the best possible cloud usage. Cloud experts have summarized six critical trends for container technology this year

Container Technology Is Developing Into The New Interface In Cloud Computing

The new interfaces will further adapt the essential functions of cloud and edge computing to one another. This further promotes the standardization of edge products and accelerates container applications in Edge, IoT and 5G. This is important because these technologies have to develop further in the course of high-density and high-frequency scenarios. A continuous revision of the cloud computing architecture to prepare for the techniques mentioned earlier is also essential.

High Automation Of Cloud-Native Applications

Cloud-native architectures naturally enable a high degree of automation. This advantage can be used to the full when developing cloud-native applications; this also applies to maintaining the number of replicas, version consistency, error repetition and asynchronous event control. As a result, we will see a significant increase in automation in application deployment, risk prevention and control and operator runtime in 2021.

Application-Centric And Highly Scalable Upper-Layer Platforms

An easy-to-use and scalable upper-layer platform based on standard application models will replace traditional platform-as-a-service solutions in the long term and develop into the new mainstream. Since application-centric software is complex and its use brings many challenges, platforms that are easy to use will prevail.

Fast Cloud Edge Integration Through Container Technology

With the integration of AI, IoT and Edge Computing, more and more companies will be confronted with more significant scaling and complexity scenarios. In addition, edge computing will continue to establish itself as an extension of cloud computing in hybrid cloud scenarios. This requires an infrastructure that enables decentralization, autonomous edge facilities and edge cloud hosting. The development of infrastructures such as 5G and IoT will also significantly accelerate the growth of edge computing.

Cloud-Native Data Transformation

Nowadays, data is a company’s most valuable asset. In the next few years, cloud-native technologies will increasingly promote data-driven applications that support companies’ intelligent IT transformation. For example, the be-all and end-all will be the development of a uniform cloud-native basis to support AI and significant data processes.

Container Technology: Security Becomes The Top Priority

Containers may have become the standard for the delivery of applications and computing resources in the cloud-native era. Nonetheless, container technology still faces significant challenges in the cloud computing environment. The topic of security, in particular, will become a top priority this year: Different aspects from the container runtime, which has to guarantee optimal security isolation, to the so-called “lightweight” virtualization.

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