Tag: transformation

Digital transformation in action: NI logistics firm deploys 3D scanning and big data with DTFF support

A Northern Ireland warehousing, logistics and shipping firm showcased how the introduction of emerging technologies into their operations has enabled them to “run shoulder to shoulder” with companies “three, four, five times the size” of theirs.

SJ Henderson Fulfilment is just one of 172 businesses across the country who have benefited from support from the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF). Since November 2023 the fund has released £2.5 million into the business community to support the adoption of one or more of the six emerging technologies.

From AI and machine learning, process automation using robotics/cobotics and immersive tech such as AR and VR to big data and analytics, IoT and system integration and block chain; DTFF gives businesses the opportunity to improve internal systems and processes.

Recently, Stephen Henderson of SJ Henderson Fulfilment welcomed Department for Economy (DfE) Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to see how his innovative 3D imaging and big data driven tech scanner not only provides more accurate information for warehouse storage but also allows Stephen to maximise space whilst minimising costs for fulfilment clients.

The company, based in Kilkeel, Co Down, specialise in all aspects of online fulfilment, including e-fulfilment, warehousing and storage, pick and pack, distribution and returns management.

The £7.5 million DTFF programme operates across all four City and Growth Deal regions in Northern Ireland, reflecting a shared ambition between central and local government to deliver digitally driven innovation to accelerate business growth and regional economic development.

Having just completed the applications round of call four, expressions of interest are now open for call five applications in July.

DTFF is part-funded by the NI Executive, UK Government, DAERA and all local authorities in Northern Ireland. The programme is delivered by all 11 Councils under the Full Fibre Northern Ireland Consortium (FFNI) and is led by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, with support from Invest Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the site visit to SJ Henderson Fulfilment, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Economy Minister said: “The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund provides funding for small and micro businesses across the north to engage in transformative digital solutions, which will drive innovation and boost productivity.

“SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd is a great example of a company which has taken the first step to automate its processes, which will pave the way for further digital transformation. This investment will make the company more efficient and allow it to fulfil more orders, increase its ability to meet the needs of more customers and grow its business.

“With £5 million of funding still available through this initiative, I encourage businesses across the north to seize this opportunity to increase transformation, boost competitiveness and accelerate economic growth.”

DTFF is part of a broader digital ecosystem that serves as a stepping stone for businesses seeking additional Growth Deal funding to grow and develop their ideas.

Highlighting the programme’s significance, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne explained: “The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund is not just about technology adoption; it’s about ensuring that businesses, regardless of size, have the opportunity to innovate, streamline operations and unlock new growth potential through digital transformation.

“SJ Henderson Fulfilment is a successful rural business in Newry, Mourne and Down and DTFF is a testament to our commitment to driving digital ambitions and supporting our local businesses as they embrace the future.”

The receipt of DTFF support represents a significant step in SJ Henderson Fulfilment’s digital transformation journey, allowing them to drive digital innovation within their operations.

Martin McKendry, DAERA’s Head of Food, Farming and Rural Affairs Group, added: “I am delighted to have visited SJ Henderson Fulfilment on behalf of Minister Muir.  It is interesting to see how the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund investment has helped SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd transform its business in terms of providing a new digital storage and retrieval system for all its customers.  The company has ambitious plans for growing its business over the next five years in terms of improving productivity, increasing revenue and providing additional employment and this investment has certainly helped it to start its growth journey.

“DAERA’s investment of £1.1m in the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund ensures that rural businesses such as SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd are given greater access opportunities for digital innovation support. I wish SJ Henderson Fulfilment Ltd every success in the future.”

During the site visit Stephen was able to demonstrate how the DTFF funding enabled him to streamline operations in the warehouse and explained how he is supporting other local companies to take advantage of the unique position Northern Ireland holds in the fulfilment landscape.

He said: “Without the support of DTFF we would not have been in the position to implement this technology into our operations. Having now completed the project it has allowed us to run shoulder to shoulder with companies that are three, four, five times the size of ourselves in the mainland or overseas.

“Quite often it’s the case that these clients don’t have product dimensions or weights or they’re not accurate, and so whenever the stock lands here, we have to get measuring tapes out and scales out and measure these units individually. And it’s quite tedious. It’s not 100% accurate, because using measuring tapes, and with this, this technology ensures accuracy to a 100th of a millimetre and the right down to the last gram as well, in an instant. So as soon as you scan the item you get the three dimensions and your weight in real time, and that also then translates it into a spreadsheet which we can upload to our system. Within minutes, it’s already live on our system, ready for shipping.

“The DTFF funding has opened my eyes to the automation solutions that are out there, which I believe are required for businesses like ourselves to take out the mundane tasks and enable us to offer higher paid, higher skilled jobs.”

For more information on the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund or to register your expression of interest for call five opening in July go to dtff.co.uk

Innovation Meets Tradition: Belleek Pottery’s Digital Leap with ATU Donegal

Belleek Pottery, one of Ireland’s most historic and renowned pottery manufacturers, has successfully completed a groundbreaking digital transformation project in collaboration with WiSAR Lab, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal. This initiative, funded by the InterTradeIreland Innovation Boost programme, has not only enhanced Belleek’s operational efficiency but also strengthened cross-border industry-academic collaboration.
Leveraging ATU Donegal’s expertise in computing and digital systems, Belleek Pottery has integrated cutting-edge technologies into its business operations. The project focused on enhancing data management, automating essential processes, and advancing the company’s digital infrastructure. By replacing outdated systems with a fully integrated platform, Belleek has improved operational efficiency, refined inventory management, and strengthened supply chain performance.
“Founded in 1857, Belleek Pottery is deeply rooted in Ireland’s cultural and commercial heritage. In today’s fast-changing and challenging business environment, it’s crucial for us to continuously evolve our processes to ensure the company’s success and preserve its legacy,” said Raymond Wallace, IT Manager at Belleek Pottery. “The funding from InterTradeIreland as well as the support from ATU has been instrumental in modernising our operations, making them more efficient and scalable for future growth. This project is a testament to the power of cross-border collaboration and the innovation potential within the region.”
A key project milestone was transitioning to a modern cloud system, replacing outdated software and improving data integration at Belleek. Advanced APIs, automated shipping, and a Shopify-based e-commerce platform were also introduced, enabling real-time stock updates and streamlined order management.
“This project has provided ATU Donegal with an invaluable opportunity to apply research and academic expertise to real-world business challenges,” said Dr. Kevin Meehan, Principal Investigator at WiSAR Lab, ATU Donegal.
“Working with Belleek Pottery has not only strengthened industry-academic ties but has also enriched our curriculum, offering students hands-on experience in digital transformation.”
The initiative has driven significant business growth, enhancing Belleek’s partnerships with major global retailers. The investment in digital infrastructure is expected to drive sustained growth, with sales projected to increase by 40% over the next three years.
Lisa McManus, the Innovation Boost Project Manager, has also been retained as Belleek’s Integration Project Manager, ensuring that the expertise gained remains within the company.
Encouraged by the success of this collaboration, both Belleek Pottery and ATU Donegal are exploring future opportunities to drive innovation and digital transformation.  “This project exemplifies how innovation and tradition can work hand in hand,” Dr. Kevin Meehan concluded. “Belleek Pottery has not only modernised its operations but also set a new standard for digital transformation in heritage industries. We are excited to see how this momentum continues to drive change and create new opportunities for the future.”
Joanne Deighan, Programme Manager at InterTradeIreland, highlighted the importance of the InterTradeIreland Innovation Boost Programme, saying: “Collaboration with partners across the island fosters meaningful advancements, improving processes, refining products, and enhancing services. The partnership between Belleek Pottery and ATU Donegal has had a lasting impact and created exciting new opportunities for future growth.”

New LeanBPI report highlights appetite for digital transformation among small businesses

 LeanBPI, the Irish digital growth consultancy for SMEs and microenterprises, today announces the launch of a new report aimed at supporting the essential digital transformation of small businesses in Ireland. The report, “Exploring Technology Readiness of Irish Small Businesses”, was launched in the presence of Minister of State for Digital Transformation Dara Calleary T.D. It found a strong appetite amongst this cohort for digital transformation while also identifying challenges to its adoption.

Conducted in partnership with the LEO Network, LeanBPI surveyed owner-managers of microenterprises and small businesses across the country to determine their digital fitness level and identify their technology readiness profile, ranging from Avoiders to Explorers. This profile is then used to prescribe the best course of action in driving digital adoption for that business.

According to CSO data, there are nearly 350,000 businesses* of this size in Ireland, yet they risk being left behind as they often lack the in-house skills and budgets required for digital transformation. The report identified the need for tailored strategies to support them at various stages of readiness, focusing on customised training, promoting a culture of innovation to meet specific needs, and addressing barriers to technology adoption.

Highlighting the potential benefits of adoption, 87% of those surveyed said the digital technology that they used significantly enhanced their productivity. However, the need for support to maximise these benefits was clear as just 60% said they were satisfied with the digital tools they were currently using. Showing respondents’ desire to move with the times, nearly two-thirds (63%) cited relationships with customers, employers and peers as the main reason for adopting digital technology.

The report recognised the role of existing Government supports for driving digital transformation in small businesses. These include the Digital for Business initiative, as well as the Grow Digital vouchers, which provide grants of up to €5,000 for software subscriptions, training and configuration. Expanding on these, it recommended an adaptive policy framework to annually assess the effectiveness of current policies, as well as targeted data collection to inform future policies and tailored interventions that address sector-specific needs.

Co-written by LeanBPI managing director John O’Shanahan and Professor Anuragini Shirish, Institute Mines-Télécom Business School, France, the report was launched at Breaffy House Hotel, Co. Mayo by Minister of State for Digital Transformation Dara Calleary, TD, and John Magee, Chairperson, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Network.

Commenting on the research, Minister Dara Calleary said, “Small businesses and microenterprises are of huge significance to the Irish business sector. As Minister of State for Digital Transformation, it is very encouraging to see the enthusiasm that these organisations have for adopting digital tools, driven by Government supports. Knowing that through them, even businesses with only a handful of employees see digital transformation projects as realistic goals gives us confidence that the sector is ready to embrace the future.”   

John Magee, Chairperson, LEO Network, “LEOs are working daily with small businesses to support their digital journey, which enhances their productivity and competitiveness, builds resilience and drives innovation. This report highlights that there is a genuine appetite among small businesses for digital transformation and emphasises the value of our Digital for Business and Grow Digital supports. While small businesses face constant challenges, there is relevant and practical support available from their Local Enterprise Office”.

John O’Shanahan, managing director, LeanBPI, commented, “What we see in this sector is a strong desire to transition into the digital world and seize the opportunities it brings. By collaborating strategically with all stakeholders and building on existing supports, we can help Irish entrepreneurs realise their businesses’ full potential. Together, we aim to make a meaningful impact at the local level, fostering innovation, resilience, and lasting benefits for communities while positioning Ireland as a global leader in small business digitalisation.”

Digital Transformation: How Technology Changed Healthcare Business

The health sector has undergone a serious transformation in recent years, mainly because of technological changes. This digital revolution has not only enhanced the care provided to patients but also smoothed operations and made healthcare access more efficient. The inclusion of telehealth, which is seen as a fundamental component of contemporary healthcare delivery, has undoubtedly been one of the largest shifts.

The Rise of Telehealth

Advanced health care facilities offer telehealth appointments, which is a method of receiving healthcare remotely via digital information and communication technology, such as computers and mobile devices. This technology allows patients and doctors to communicate efficiently but remotely, which omits the need for visiting doctors in person even for minor health issues. It has been particularly beneficial for those patients who reside a long distance away, have transportation complications, or would simply be better at ease being treated virtually.

Telehealth is the lifeline of COVID-19, wherein consultations and treatments are given amidst avoidance of exposures. This idea aided in minimizing the spread of the virus and helped keep essential healthcare services available.

Enhanced Patient Care

Better patient care is one of the main advantages of the digital transformation in healthcare.  Instead of using papers and endless file, patient records are stored electronically. This change allows users to access a patient’s complete medical history with a single click or tap. This leads to more complete diagnoses and better-informed treatment options.

Moreover, wearable technology and remote monitoring devices enable healthcare professionals to monitor patients’ vital signs and other health status measures in real-time. Such a possibility of continuous monitoring allows doctors to detect problems well in advance and interfere with treatment when an issue can be effectively dealt with.

Operational Efficiency

Similarly, there has been a vast enhancement in operational efficiency since digital transformation came into being. With automation, administrative tasks, like setting up appointments and billing, fall off the workers’ shoulders, leaving them with substantial time to cater to the patients.

AI and machine learning algorithms analyze vast volumes of data to predict patient needs and optimize resource allocation. The analytics-driven approach empowers healthcare organizations to make better, more wholesome decisions that enable prudent resource utilization and cost savings.

Improved Accessibility

Technology integration widens access to healthcare. Mobile health applications and online portals enable patients to schedule appointments, verify their test results, and communicate with their healthcare providers anywhere at any moment that is most convenient for them.

Telehealth platforms have also given patients access to specialists who could be in other cities or countries. That way, it democratizes access to specialists and thus helps patients get the best treatment possible based on their location.

Besides, health booths equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and telemedicine capabilities are being deployed in public spaces. In the near future, they will be deployed in remote areas, allowing people to access healthcare instantly. These booths enable patients to receive immediate medical diagnostics and medicine without traveling to a hospital or clinic. They can also consult with healthcare professionals. This further enhances accessibility, especially for underserved populations.

Digitalization in healthcare has been nothing less than revolutionary. From offering telehealth appointments to AI for predictive analytics, technology has turned how healthcare is delivered upside down. It is critical to emphasize that the more we forge ahead in this digital era, the more integration of technology will continue to drive the future of health, making healthcare truly patient-centric, effective, and accessible.

Not just a man’s world – the transformation in the machinery sector

Mechanical engineering, industry, construction, and workshops: These are environments typically associated with men – at least according to the prevailing view in society. This is because women are supposedly not interested in technology and machinery. However, this perspective is outdated, as confirmed by four women in key roles at the industrial auction house Surplex.

The industry and mechanical engineering sectors, long considered male-dominated fields, are on the cusp of significant changes. For decades shaped by traditional gender roles and distributions, the rigid boundaries that hinder women’s access to technical professions and leadership positions are increasingly being broken down. Statistics paint an encouraging picture: The proportion of women in these fields is growing. This development, especially highlighted on International Women’s Day on 08 March, underscores the growing recognition of the importance of diversity in the workplace. Yet, there are still many challenges women often face.

New perspectives: women in technical professions

Surplex, an industrial auction house for used machinery in metalworking, woodworking, and construction, is also a typically male-dominated company. This is reflected not only in the industry but also in the professions: The Surplex project managers and sales managers, often with technical training, are responsible for acquiring machinery and conducting individual auctions, serving as direct contacts for predominantly male providers. Therefore, it is not surprising that two-thirds of Surplex’s employees are male.

However, Karin Schneider, Head of HR at Surplex, sees a positive change in the proportion of women at Surplex. A major problem, however, is the applicants’ experience. “The trend for more women to take up ‘typically male professions’ is still relatively new, so unfortunately, the depth of experience of most female applicants for higher positions is often not sufficient.“

The Surplex management team consists of three people, one of whom is a woman: Ghislaine Duijmelings. “It has been proven that diverse teams lead to better results. Therefore, it is crucial to consciously steer in this direction. In terms of internal labour mobility, we want to directly address women about new opportunities.“ Schneider also adds, “For us, gender is less important than a person’s qualifications. Such attributes should actually be irrelevant in a modern society.“ Despite the suitable working environment, why are there still fewer women in this industry?

Overcoming challenges, reducing self-doubt

“I think it’s due to cultural aspects such as stereotypical gender images, the way education is structured, and there are fewer female role models in these sectors. Also, the image of these sectors as a man’s world can deter women,“ says Duijmelings, echoing Schneider’s argument: How modern is our society today?

The fact that there are few women in this industry is not because they are excluded by men, as Nancy Castañeda, Project Manager for Surplex in Spain, and Kristina Voosholz, Acquisition and Purchasing, know from their own experience. “Of course, there was the occasional remark ‘Do you even know anything about machines?’, but you have to rise above that and charmingly convince the conversational partner otherwise,“ says Voosholz about her experience in the used machinery trade. Her long-standing expertise in the business has given her enough confidence to face sceptical business partners. And Nancy Castañeda feels the same: “Sometimes I felt like I wasn’t in the right place because I was surrounded by men, but I was confident that my work was good enough and I believed in myself.“ Sceptics were quickly convinced, and today she has many very good relationships with her business partners. Both women have not experienced outright rejection during their time at Surplex.

Balancing career and family: a management task

The combination of family and her role as CEO is not always easy, but for Duijmelings, it’s no obstacle. “It’s important to be flexible. I don’t stress when unforeseen circumstances arise. Taking responsibility also means setting priorities.“ And even though her children will always come first, it’s important to her to demonstrate that it’s important to be independent and to fulfil oneself.

Castañeda shares similar challenges between career and family. As a mother, she finds the time away from family the most challenging, an experience she shares with her male colleagues. “But the truth is, I have the support of my husband.“

So, flexibility is key for mothers – not just in technical professions. Surplex actively strives as an employer to create an environment where all employees can combine family and work. Whether through flexible working hours, part-time offers, workation (work & location, i.e. working in a different country than usual), or home office.

Diversity as the key to success

Women bring a new perspective to the market. Studies show that teams with a mix of different cultures, genders, and age groups are the most successful. It sounds like a cliché: Especially a balanced gender distribution leads to better decisions because it balances the extreme risk-taking of men and the excessive caution of women. The most important thing, therefore, is to encourage women to dare to enter technical fields.

For all women considering whether they are cut out for the machinery market or whether they should opt for a different career, Ghislaine Duijmelings has a tip: “My advice to other women: You are exactly right the way you are. Just take your position as a woman! Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know.“

Digital Transformation Award for Galway Graveyards Project

Galway County Council has picked up one of the main accolades at the Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards 2023 for its innovative digital project that mapped over 40,000 graveyard memorial records across County Galway and made them publicly available online.

The Digital Mapping of Graveyards Project was named overall winner of the ‘Best Community Engagement’ category of the competition at a ceremony held in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel last night (Thursday).

Organised by The Sunday Business Post, the awards recognise the achievements of public sector organisations that have made significant contributions to advancing digital transformation across Ireland.  Galway County Council beat off competition from a shortlist of organisations that included Dublin City Council in partnership with Trinity College Dublin, CAWT and Aurion Learning, Longford County Council and Tipperary County Council to win the top award.

Working with and supported by Galway Rural Development, Forum Connemara, The Heritage Council, The National Monuments Service and Galway County Community Archaeology Service, Galway County Council provided funding to local groups to employ experts to train local communities to use mobile technology and to undertake drone mapping of graveyards resulting in a public release of 40,000 records from across the county via the Local Authority’s Open Data Portal.

Cllr. Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said, “The success of the Digital Mapping of Graveyards Project has been years in the making and is the result of forensic research and cutting-edge surveying work by the Local Authority’s Heritage department and local communities across Galway. This has resulted in a body of work that will be of benefit to the diaspora and academia at home and abroad for years to come.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, commented, “In congratulating everybody involved, I wish to emphasise the significance of the award win for the future development of this innovative project and similar digital projects that seek to record, preserve and share details of Galway heritage for the benefit of future generations. In an effort to digitalise our services Galway County Council has begun the preparation of a Council Digital Strategy and im happy to say this is the first instalment of this progress. I am delighted to confirm that it is proposed to transfer and update more memorial records and to map graveyards and record further memorial inscriptions in the coming months and years.”

Eileen Ruane, Director of Services, Human Resources, Environment, It and Digital Transformation, Galway County Council, stated, “Galway County Council, through its GIS team, has identified the capability of advanced technology to record Galway’s rich heritage in a way that makes it accessible to a much wider audience, as well as providing a valuable resource for researchers and academia. We are immensely proud of our achievement and look forward to developing existing and new projects into the future.”

According to Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer for Galway County Council, “The aim of the project is to support our diaspora and communities to connect with their past by unlocking valuable graveyard information and making it available as open-source data that is free to use. We are delighted with the positive reaction we have received to making the records publicly available online and this national award will inspire us to further expand the project and develop similar heritage-based digital projects.”

As part of the project, Connemara West mapped seven graveyards in Ballinakill Parish, Renvyle, Tooreena, Salrock, Letterfrack Boys Cemetery, Banogues, St Thomas and Ballinakill.

Janet O’Toole of Connemara West said, “The project’s success is the result of dedicated volunteers giving over their time, and expert guidance delivered by the County Heritage Officer, Marie Mannion with her team in the County Council.”

She continued, “We have mapped seven graveyards in this area, and they are now part of this bigger project from the local authority. It’s online and anybody can enter their surname to find where their ancestors are buried.”

Outlining the background to the project, Barry Doyle, Geographic Information System (GIS) project lead for Galway County Council, said, “We have been working with various community groups and organisations to collect and collating valuable data relating to those who are buried in various graveyards for several years. Galway County Council, with funding from the Heritage Council, the Open Data Engagement Fund and its own resources developed and made available a mobile app specifically for use by surveyors at the local level for memorial surveys, along with associated data management and validation processes. This technology, along with drone technology, was made available to local community groups to expand the number of graveyards in the project resulting in the 40,000 records that are now publicly available.”

The Galway County Digital Mapping of Graveyards Project may be viewed at galwaycoco.maps.arcgis.com and data.gov.ie.

Access to Technology Has Played a Critical Part in Europe’s Digital Transformation Development

Digital transformation is one of the most important initiatives that organisations undertake in order to stay competitive in today’s digital age.

The rate at which technology is evolving is astounding. It seems like every day, there is a new piece of hardware or software that can help organisations improve their productivity and efficiency. 

According to Contino’s Europe digital transformation report, the rise of technology has allowed organisations to move from traditional methods of doing business to more efficient and effective digital transformations.

The field of digital transformation has been greatly helped by this influx of technological advancements like digital products and some of the most innovative tech leaders from across Europe have managed to integrate technology as part of their strategy to great success.

In this post, we’ll look at how business executives have used technology to help their businesses succeed as well as the current state of digital transformation in organisations.

Here are some the tech leaders from the Europe digital transformation report that managed to use technology effectively with great results.

Paul Whyte

Paul Whyte is the Managing Director of Best Food Logistics, a leading provider of food logistics, warehousing and distribution.

Paul has been in the industry for over 20 years and has worked on many different projects with some of the world’s largest retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons. 

He has also led Best Food Logistics’ digital transformation strategy which includes implementing a new warehouse management system (WMS) that allows customers to track their orders in real-time and gives them access to live inventory updates. 

Paul believes that embracing technology is key for businesses looking to grow and be more profitable than ever before and to transform a loss-making food logistics company into a market-leading data aggregator. Strong project governance is critical to digital transformation success. 

“Carefully managing the execution of a technology implementation is critical: tracking risks, logging issues, flagging barriers to change and celebrating sucesses” said Paul.

It is important to communicate your case for change to create belief across stakeholders, spend the majority of time on change management and strong project governance is essential.

Paul also stresses that technology should be used as an enabler for businesses looking to improve their operations and grow sustainably over the long term.

Best’s on-time deliveries increased from under 40% to over 95%. Customers can now see the company’s success, as well as that of its partners, through the portal and a simple mobile app.

Best’s business rates have improved and expanded. In 2020, Best’s success resulted in it being bought by Booker Group, a Tesco PLC subsidiary.

Fumbi Chima

Fumbi Chima was the Global Chief Information Officer of Adidas at the time of Contino’s report and she is now currently is the BECU’s executive vice president and chief information officer. 

Fumbi has extensive experience in the area of digital transformation, process improvement and technology enablement. She believes technology has a significant part to play in organisations that want to change their business models and operations. 

For firms wanting to future-proof their business, understanding, anticipating, and servicing the consumer with technology is critical.

She believes that successful companies focus on creating aligned incentives throughout the business and are ready to pivot when needed. They also understand that there is no such thing as “done” in the digital age – it’s an ever-changing landscape.

“Customer journeys keep evolving. Behaviours change. Transformation is a journey; you can never stick a pin in it and say that you’re done”

The strategy has resulted in faster throughput of superior products that are more personalised and more responsive to the customer. The flexibility of the new model also gave Adidas the ability to pivot, which is critical when the world is changing so rapidly

Debra Bailey

Debra Bailey leads the technology and digital agenda for O2 in the UK, including developing new propositions, platforms and customer experience to drive growth in both retail and enterprise markets.

It is important to understand the business challenges, automate business processes from end-to-end and build with the future in mind.

She was able to achieve digital transformation by unifying technology and businesses to help digitally connect customers with the things that matter most to them. 

Debra said, “The business challenges are what drives the beahvour of the supporting functions, including I.T. Understanding them is the first port of call.”

After less than a year of the new operating model, O2 has already hit their target of a 10% lift in speed-to-value, is on track to hit 2022’s target of 25% and has a huge target of 75% by 2024.

Conclusion

Technology has a critical role to play in the process of digital transformation, and businesses that don’t embrace it will struggle to keep up with the competition. 

Leveraging technology can help organisations optimize their processes, become more productive and creative, adapt to changes faster, reduce costs and increase revenues.

If you’re looking to succeed in the digital era, your organisation needs to start its journey of transformation as soon as possible.