Digital transformation: it’s all about people

Digital transformation: it’s all about people

(Image credit: Wichy / Shutterstock) It is no surprise that digital transformation remains a top priority for business leaders in 2024. New technology is rapidly changing the business landscape, there is a heightened demand from workforces for hybrid and remote working, and legacy systems are increasingly at risk of falling victim to sophisticated cyber-attacks. Companies are also getting to grips with how best to adopt Artificial intelligence (AI). Not to mention coping with current customer expectations for a seamless customer experience delivered across multiple digital channels. Yet, while the reasons for digital transformation are clear, the route to success is often less obvious. It is a huge undertaking – and one that can incur considerable costs – requiring far more than simply updating old technology or migrating processes to the Cloud. Despite this, there is still a prevailing attitude that transformation should be approached from a purely technological standpoint, which is part of the reason why as many as 70% of transformation projects fail. For most companies, the digital transformation journey can be made a lot smoother by embracing the human element behind the process. Companies must recognize the unique needs, motivations, and behaviors of their employees, customers, and […]

Kenya: Govt Collaborates With Italy To Boost Digital Transformation

Kenya: Govt Collaborates With Italy To Boost Digital Transformation

According to industry reports, Kenya is joining forces with Italy to boost digital transformation in East Africa. Kenya hopes to benefit from Italy’s expertise in space technology and emerging technologies as part of the partnership to improve public service delivery. Dr Margaret Ndung’u, cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, welcomed a group of Italian officials and executives led by Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, to Nairobi. According to officials, the meeting covered how the two countries may develop space technology to improve public service delivery, innovative methods for rolling out fibre-optic cables across the country, promoting information exchange, and manufacturing chips and digital devices. “There is also the area of artificial intelligence (AI), which we are ready to move forward, considering we want to link AI to socio-economic development,” Ndung’u said after the meeting. The partnership is set to boost Kenya’s ambitious Digital Superhighway project. Under the scheme, the government aims to lay 100,000 kilometres of fibre and establish digital hubs in all 1,450 wards in the country. The pair discussed potential areas of collaboration in digital infrastructure, digital skills, cyber security and knowledge sharing.

Digital technologies can propel Europe through its sustainable industrial transformation

Digital technologies can propel Europe through its sustainable industrial transformation

Content type: Advertiser Content Euractiv is part of the Trust Project Print Share For 177 years, Siemens has been creating technologies to transform the everyday, for everyone. Inspired by this mission, Siemens is passionately committed to being a vital force that can turn the challenges Europe is facing into opportunities – by leveraging and accelerating the green and digital transition to foster EU competitiveness. Judith Wiese is Chief People & Sustainability Officer and a Member of the Managing Board at Siemens AG. The European Union stands at a crossroads. Former European Commission President Jacques Delors once said that the only choice for Europe is between “survival and decline.” Such sentiments resonate more than ever today. For the newly elected EU’s leadership, it means leading 450 million Europeans and 31.5 million enterprises through a fundamental transformation. As a leading European and global technology company, we believe that sustainability and competitiveness are two sides of the same coin and are Europe’s opportunity to thrive. However, tapping into this potential requires an appropriate European industrial strategy. It encompasses carrying out the necessary reforms, upholding the Green Deal’s legacy and delivering on its implementation. In essence, this is Siemens’ call to the next […]

Embracing Digital Transformation: A Guide for SME Manufacturers with Made Smarter

Embracing Digital Transformation: A Guide for SME Manufacturers with Made Smarter

In-Depth 2 mins read Learn the steps to a successful digital transformation for SME manufacturers. Explore how Made Smarter accelerates change and fosters growth. Embracing Digital Transformation: A Guide for SME Manufacturers with Made Smarter Making Sense of Digital Transformation for SME Manufacturers Confusion around digital transformation is risking paralysis among SME manufacturers, says Made Smarter. Donna Edwards, director of the North West Adoption Programme, warns that tackling change in the wrong way risks wasted time and money. She explains that businesses are hesitant to commit to change due to a lack of confidence with technology and digital skills among leaders and employees. However, delaying digital transformation risks businesses being left behind or wasting valuable time, effort, and money. Challenges in Digital Transformation for SMEs Edwards notes that digital transformation is often viewed as daunting and confusing, with SME manufacturers lacking the resources and skills to approach it effectively. In the foreword of Made Smarter’s new white paper – Digital Transformation: A Made Smarter Roadmap for SME Manufacturers – Edwards cautions that many businesses hesitate or become paralyzed, risking missed opportunities and financial losses. The free-to-download white paper provides a step-by-step guide for manufacturers seeking a successful transformation. It […]

LR establishes platform to drive Digital Maturity in maritime

LR establishes platform to drive Digital Maturity in maritime

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has announced the release of its Digital Maturity Framework and Index to assess and benchmark an organisation’s digital maturity. LR commissioned Thetius to create ‘The Benchmark’ study, which details a digital maturity model. The model serves as a starting point for understanding an organisation’s position on the maritime digital transformation spectrum, ranging from basic phases with little or no digital infrastructure to mature advanced data-driven decision making. LR’s Digital Maturity Index (DMI) is a free web-based tool based on real marine use cases that helps shipping businesses analyse their digital preparedness, compare themselves to industry competitors, and find areas for investment in technology and capabilities. During the pilot phase, five major tanker and bulker firms participated and assessed digital maturity across all facets of their operations, from digital infrastructure to cultural integration. READ: Lloyd’s Register, CORE POWER launch nuclear containership study Mark Warner, LR’s Global Content and Communications Director, said: “The LR Digital Maturity Index has been developed in collaboration with our pilot clients and gone through a rigorous and robust discovery process. It is unique in the maritime industry and incorporates close to 50 digital use cases. Our aim is to continue the pilot phase […]

Ooredoo Qatar and Schneider Electric team up for digital transformation

Ooredoo Qatar and Schneider Electric team up for digital transformation

Ooredoo Qatar and Schneider Electric leaders meet at CONTEQ Expo 2024 The pair will work on integrating AI , cloud , and sustainable data centre solutions to support industries across Qatar, including healthcare, energy, and infrastructure. Subscribe today for free The connectivity news and insights that matter – straight to your inbox “This collaboration with Schneider Electric aligns perfectly with our commitment to driving digital transformation in Qatar,” said Hassan Ismail Alemadi, senior director for business accounts at Ooredoo Qatar. The partnership will focus on integrating cutting-edge solutions such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and green data centres, driving efficiency and sustainability across industries like utilities, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure. The strategic partnership was unveiled during a ceremony CONTEQ Expo 2024. Ooredoo Qatar will now work with Schneider Electric to foster innovation and sustainability to support the country’s digital transformation plans as part of its ambitious National Vision 2030 programme. “By leveraging our combined expertise, we are poised to introduce innovative solutions that will elevate Qatar’s digital future,” Alemadi added. RELATED STORIES Ooredoo secures $550m financing to boost data centre, AI growth across MENA How is the data centre industry evolving?

Telstra building a digital network twin

Telstra building a digital network twin

(Source: Alisha Arif/Alamy Stock Photo) Telstra is building a digital twin of its international network assets, with the intention of using AI-powered digital modelling to automate management and to solve network issues. Sketching out the Australian telco’s AI initiatives, Roary Stasko, CEO of Telstra International, said creation of the digital version of the network would drive automation and enable dynamic processing of inventory and traffic. A digitally twinned network would allow the company to present real-time information to customers about assets and capabilities, and for network ops teams to have new tools to dynamically solve issues thrown up by, say, a cyberattack or an earthquake. But digital twins are built on granular data, and most of Telstra’s asset records are still captive in legacy inventory systems or Excel spreadsheets. "These networks are incredibly complex, with cable sectors and legs, cable landing stations, repeaters and every little component needing to be logged," said Stasko. A bit of work to do "So we’re systematically working through all of our inventory, all of our network data, and all of our IT data, to digitize them and put them into a clean format. We’ve got a bit of work to do to be […]

ISG Sells Its Automation Unit to UST

ISG Sells Its Automation Unit to UST

STAMFORD, Conn.–( BUSINESS WIRE )– Information Services Group ( ISG ) (Nasdaq: III ), a leading global technology research and advisory firm, said today it has sold its automation unit to UST , a leading digital transformation solutions company, for $27 million in an all-cash transaction, with a portion of the proceeds placed in escrow, to be released contingent upon meeting certain conditions. The unit offers robotic process automation (RPA) software implementation and licensing services. It was established as a startup business in 2017 to meet the emerging demand for RPA. ISG Chairman and CEO Michael P. Connors said the sale is a “win-win” for both ISG and UST. “With this sale, ISG emerges as a stronger, more focused firm, devoted to serving our clients by leveraging our towering strengths in sourcing, powered by our AI-driven ISG Tango™ platform; digital transformation, including enterprise change and training-as-a-service; AI advisory, technology research and supplier governance,” Connors said. “In addition, the cash proceeds of the sale immediately strengthen our balance sheet and improve shareholder value. “At the same time, our former automation unit will benefit from being part of a larger technology services organization in UST, one that we have known and […]

Tracey Jessup wins award for digital transformation in the public sector

Tracey Jessup wins award for digital transformation in the public sector

At De Montfort University (DMU) Leicester, we’re leading digital transformation in the public sector. DMU’s Chief Transformation and Resources Officer, Tracey Jessup, won the Public Sector Award from CIO UK 100 for the university’s ground-breaking digital transformation strategy. Digital transformation at DMU is about more than technology; it also looks at how people and processes are essential for innovation and adaptation of new technology. Tracey Jessop 560 1 A digital champions programme with colleagues from all areas of the university used training and coaching to significantly increase digital confidence levels in the workforce. The champions are now working locally to help colleagues build their confidence and use new digital tools, spearheading the mindset and culture change that is necessary for people to fully embrace digital working. Another core element of the strategy is strengthening cyber security and raise awareness of its importance across the university. Change is also coming in the classroom with digital labs being a first step to a digitally connected campus after a successful bid to the Office for Students. With transformation comes the need to manage complex change. To do ensure we do this well, we’ve overhauled our portfolio management approach. Each element plays a […]