Driving Retail Innovation: Shireesh Annam on Leading Digital Transformation and Technology Integration

Driving Retail Innovation: Shireesh Annam on Leading Digital Transformation and Technology Integration

Image by Tung Lam from Pixabay Success in retail hinges on adaptability because customer expectations shift as swiftly as trends. With global competition intensifying, retailers face mounting pressure to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and deliver personalised experiences. However, many businesses remain tethered to outdated systems, struggling to keep pace. Shireesh Annam has tackled some of the industry’s toughest challenges as a forerunner in retail technology integration. He can drive large-scale technology integration while fostering cross-functional collaboration, making him an expert in retail technology. He creates scalable frameworks that align with overarching business objectives to ensure long-term success. Photo Courtesy: Shireesh Annam The Retail Industry’s Digital Dilemma Have you ever wondered why some retailers thrive while others fade? The answer often lies in their ability to adapt—and adapt quickly. Retailers are no strangers to complexity. However, managing sprawling operations across multiple regions, meeting diverse customer needs, and keeping costs in check is an ongoing struggle. How can retailers meet customer demands for speed, convenience, and personalisation while maintaining cost efficiency? That’s where technology comes into play. For many retail businesses, the limitations of legacy systems pose the most significant hurdle. These outdated technologies often fail to support real-time decision-making, impede […]

UN announces 15 innovation hubs to fuel digital transformation in Kenya

UN announces 15 innovation hubs to fuel digital transformation in Kenya

Nairobi: A consortium of United Nations agencies on Thursday, US time, announced the shortlisting of 15 innovation hubs to spur the growth of the digital economy in Kenya while promoting equity and inclusivity. The selection of digital innovation hubs under the Digital Platforms Kenya , a three-year UN initiative, is expected to position the country as a knowledge economy hub, according to a joint statement issued in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, by the UN agencies and the Kenyan government. Also Read – Calling it ‘anti-American’, Trump calls for reviewing UN funding John Tanui, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy, said the digital innovation hubs would provide a platform to foster innovation, enterprise, and sustainable development. "Kenya’s digital innovation hubs are crucial for its economic future. Investing in them empowers youth and women with digital skills, fueling innovation and inclusive growth," Tanui said. Also Read – Calling it ‘anti-American’, Trump calls for reviewing UN funding The 15 innovation hubs were shortlisted following a call for applications in December 2024, which attracted over 50 submissions. The evaluation was based on their potential to drive digital innovation, spur entrepreneurship, and empower women and youth from Kenya’s marginalised […]

Elm leads smart solutions at LEAP 2025 as strategic sponsor, showcasing digital transformation services

Elm leads smart solutions at LEAP 2025 as strategic sponsor, showcasing digital transformation services

Elm, a pioneer in digital solutions, is set to demonstrate its wide range of cutting-edge platforms and innovations as a strategic sponsor of LEAP 2025. Image Courtesy: Elm Riyadh, KSA – Elm, a pioneer in digital solutions, is set to demonstrate its wide range of cutting-edge platforms and innovations as a strategic sponsor of LEAP 2025. The event, which will take place from February 9 to 12, 2025, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, reflects Elm’s progressive vision to empower government entities and private sector firms and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in the digital economy. During LEAP 2025, the company will launch an advanced suite of solutions designed to address emerging challenges and empower future innovators. Through its participation, Elm aims to leverage the event’s robust reputation as a global platform that attracts creative minds and excellent talents, promote strategic partnerships, help shape the future of smart solutions and etch innovations, and explore ways to leverage cutting-edge technologies to boost quality of life. Furthermore, the company will exhibit ‘elm Autonomous Vehicle’, which is in line with its smart solutions and features cutting-edge systems like drive-by-wire systems. The vehicle, integrated with multi-sensors, communication networks, high-powered computing systems, and […]

FirstRand Group selects Fiserv to improve digital transformation

FirstRand Group selects Fiserv to improve digital transformation

FirstRand Group , an Africa-based bank, has selected Fiserv , a global provider of payments and fintech, to help with its digital transformation and support broader innovation in the EMEA region. The bank will leverage Fiserv’s Finxact, a cloud-native, real-time banking solution that offers access to data, to support the growth objectives of its customer franchises FNB (First National Bank) and RMB (Rand Merchant Bank). FirstRand chooses Fiserv’s system Digital transformation and Embedded Finance As financial institutions and businesses across all industries look for fast-growing digital technology for embedded commerce, finance, and payments, Finxact will take the place of FirstRand’s current system to provide improved capabilities and create modern and personalised digital banking services. Finxact is a system of record and a transaction processing engine that supports all asset classes, currencies, and time zones. FirstRand Group chose Finxact for its system which enables growth and the ability to deliver personalised solutions at speed. FNB focuses on retail and commerce banking, offering services like personal and business accounts, loans, mortgages, and digital banking solutions. RMB specialises in corporate and investment banking, providing services like mergers and acquisitions, structured finance, asset management, and capital market solutions. FNB’s customers have 30 million […]

10th NXT CX-DX Summit: Drive Digital Transformation

10th NXT CX-DX Summit: Drive Digital Transformation

Indonesia is set to host the most anticipated 10th NXT CX-DX Summit & Awards which will explore the intersection of Customer Experience (CX) and Digital Transformation, bringing together industry pioneers, innovators, and decision-makers to discuss strategies for driving business growth in the digital age. Scheduled on the 11th of February 2025 at JW Marriott in Jakarta, Indonesia the summit will feature insights from global thought pioneers, successful case studies, and practical strategies for organizations to navigate and excel in an increasingly digital world. AI, big data, and automation As Indonesia accelerates its digital transformation, businesses face an urgent need to align customer experiences with rapidly evolving technological developments. The conference will feature insightful keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and effective networking sessions led by global and regional experts. Attendees will gain actionable insights into leveraging artificial intelligence, data analytics, and emerging technologies to drive customer satisfaction, loyalty, and business growth. Seamless, personalized experiences The summit will spotlight how digital tools and emerging technologies like AI, big data, and automation This one-day event aims to address the urgent need for businesses to enhance customer engagement and deliver seamless, personalized experiences in a highly competitive market. With Indonesia’s digital economy poised […]

Cemetery Software Market Growth Fueled by Digital Transformation and Smart Technology Trends.

Cemetery Software Market Growth Fueled by Digital Transformation and Smart Technology Trends.

Cemetery Software Market InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. has announced the publication of a market research report titled "Global Cemetery Software Market By type (Cloud-Based and Web-Based), Application (Individuals, Government, Funeral Homes and Others)- Market Outlook and Industry Analysis 2030." The global Cemetery Software market is estimated to reach over USD 2.87 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.91% during the forecast period. Get Free Access to Demo Report, Excel Pivot and ToC: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/1387 With the aid of cemetery software, a cemetery can be managed. It includes tools for managing staff, monitoring graves and plots, and more. The two main kinds are web-based and cloud-based cemetery software. Online users access cloud-based software that is hosted on the provider’s servers. On the user’s computer, web-based applications are accessible through a web browser. Cemetery software is being used more frequently due to its capacity to maintain cemetery records and locate graves more quickly and effectively, strengthening the market for cemetery software. Cemeteries can easily and quickly access information on any device or place due to software. The need to automate and digitize the cemetery’s data and maps to save time and money and the cost-effective solution offered by cloud-based solutions are […]

NewscastStudio survey finds digital transformation continues despite implementation challenges

NewscastStudio survey finds digital transformation continues despite implementation challenges

Cloud adoption and streaming technology investments lead broadcast industry priorities, while concerns about artificial intelligence and workflow challenges persist, according to NewscastStudio’s annual industry survey. The survey gathered responses from 312 broadcast and media professionals. Among respondents, 30% make final purchasing decisions, while 52% contribute to product research and specifications. Sixty-seven percent identify as long-term NewscastStudio readers, having followed the publication for over a year. Digital transformation progress Sixty percent of broadcast professionals report implementing cloud production tools, though implementation challenges remain. Cost emerged as the primary barrier, cited by 33% of respondents, followed by workflow complexity (25%), security concerns (17%), lack of technical expertise (15%) and uncertain return on investment (9%). Two-thirds of organizations report investing in streaming, FAST or OTT delivery tools, highlighting the industry’s continued shift toward digital distribution. “A big question for my newsroom is how to translate what we make for TV to third-party, online platforms. The workflows for this are slow and clunky… just to get one broadcast segment published online,” a survey respondent noted. Industry innovation and adaptation Sixty percent of respondents agree the industry is adapting to technological change, while 44% believe the broadcast industry is innovating in coverage. Regarding workflow […]

Digital Transformation in Healthcare Market to Reach USD 253.6 Billion by 2033, Growing at 14.5% CAGR | FMI

Digital Transformation in Healthcare Market to Reach USD 253.6 Billion by 2033, Growing at 14.5% CAGR | FMI

Digital Transformation in Healthcare Market The global digital transformation in healthcare market is projected to grow from USD 65.2 billion in 2023 to USD 253.6 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 14.5%. Increasing adoption of telehealth, mobile health, and AI-driven healthcare solutions are revolutionizing patient care, enhancing efficiency, and driving market expansion. ������� � ������ �� ���� ������: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/report-sample#5245502d47422d373038 ������������ ���������� ���� ������� ����������� The digital transformation in healthcare market is witnessing remarkable growth as technological advancements reshape the industry. Hospitals, clinics, and medical institutions are adopting innovative digital platforms to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Telehealth, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and data analytics are some of the key elements fueling this transformation. The integration of these technologies into healthcare systems has improved accessibility, diagnosis accuracy, and treatment personalization, leading to better patient outcomes. ������ �������� The market is poised for significant expansion, with an expected CAGR of 14.5% between 2023 and 2033. The demand for AI-powered diagnostic tools, wearable medical devices, and remote patient monitoring is contributing to the surge in investments. Governments and private sector stakeholders are actively collaborating to drive digital initiatives, further accelerating market growth. ��� ��������� ���� ������ ����� • The market […]

67% of digital transformations delayed due to skill shortages

67% of digital transformations delayed due to skill shortages

Skills shortages are impacting businesses in myriad ways, slowing down digital initiatives and damaging the bottom line. Credit: Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock Businesses have always struggled with IT skills shortages, but the “accelerating arrival of new technologies” such as AI has widened the shortage gap even further, resulting in business delays, lower customer satisfaction, and loss of revenue , according to a recent report from research firm IDC. “The arrival of emerging technologies like AI puts organizations under new pressure. That means getting the right people with the right skills into the right roles is tougher than ever,” says Gina Smith, PhD, research director at IDC. “The impacts are huge here,” Smith adds. “Global organizations tell IDC that a dearth of skills has directly led to a host of enterprise and business problems.” The firm’s survey of IT leaders from North America, Asia, and Europe found that a shortage of IT skills has caused delays in product development at 54% of organizations, with 58% reporting product or service quality issues as well. IT leaders also report suffering from customer satisfaction problems (52%), difficulty hitting revenue goals (55%), and loss of revenue (54%). “By the end of 2026, IDC predicts that […]

Digital Transformation Drives Biz Opportunities for MSPs

Digital Transformation Drives Biz Opportunities for MSPs

MSP , Channel markets Exploding Data Stream in Cyberspace: A Digital Big Bang. (Adobe Stock) The global business focus on modernizing operations through digital transformation offers MSPs broad opportunities for services and revenue growth. That is one of the key conclusions of a new 2025 State of Digital Transformation report from global systems integrator TEKsystems, which was compiled using responses from 855 technology and business decision-makers through an online survey from November to December 2024. So, how can MSPs help their customers fill tech gaps during this time of continuing digital transformation? “The top three digital transformation needs MSPs can address are AI and ML, cybersecurity, and automation,” Cara Bilderback , director of MSP client engagement at TEKsystems, told ChannelE2E. The growth, market interest, and adoption of AI are a competitive differentiator for IT decision-makers looking to disrupt and innovate within their organizations, the report concludes. The report provides some clear strategies and direction for MSPs looking to find an edge in the marketplace, said Bilderback. “To better serve customers’ digital transformation needs, MSPs should align with strategic vendors capable of providing a full suite of services, spanning contingent staffing and outcome-based solutions,” she said. “By narrowing their vendor […]