Food business leaders join digital transformation scheme

Food business leaders join digital transformation scheme

Whitehaven-based Bakes By Gina, Manchester-based Bubble Panda and Stockport-based Firstplay Dietary Foods were part of the latest Leading Digital Transformation cohort (Shutthiphong Chandaeng/Getty Images) Food and drink firms were among Made Smarter’s latest cohort of digitally empowered business leaders coming out of its Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme. The programme focuses on equipping SME manufacturers with the strategies and skills to adopt cutting-edge digital technologies. Participants in the latest cohort included business leaders from three food and drink businesses – Whitehaven-based Bakes By Gina, Manchester-based Bubble Panda and Stockport-based Firstplay Dietary Foods. Gina Goulding, owner of Bakes By Gina, said: “ My business has been on an incredible growth journey, which meant I never had time to reflect on where we are. The leadership programme gave me precious headspace with like-minded individuals and gave me skills to empower my staff to take the reins.” Three-month programme The funded programme is delivered over three months with Manchester Metropolitan University, blending face-to-face workshops, online webinars, case studies to see technology in action and a site visit to PrintCity, Manchester Met’s 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre. Brian Holliday, co-chair of the Made Smarter Commission and MD of Siemens Digital Industries added: […]

Hesitant digitization hamstrings manufacturers’ outlook

Hesitant digitization hamstrings manufacturers’ outlook

Instead of digitizing processes quickly, many companies in the manufacturing industry are standing still — and thus are in danger of falling further behind. Credit: Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock A large portion of the manufacturing industry is in danger of falling beyond, not because they don’t recognized the need for digital transformation, but because they lack concrete strategies for implementation. As a global survey by IFS of more than 800 manufacturing executives, 82% of manufacturers believe their company will not survive for more than one to three years if it does not become more involved with information technology. In contrast, digital leaders are confident that they can master future challenges, with more than quarter (28%) believing they can get by for up to five years without new investments. Although all respondents recognized the use of digital technology as vital for their company, only 10% describe themselves as digital pioneers. In contrast, 65% of respondents see themselves as lagging behind in terms of digitalization, either dangerously far behind, stuck in the early stages of digital transformation, or having not made a concrete plan for the next steps. Digital roadblocks The urgency seems clear — market turbulence, supply chain disruptions, and the […]

Space-enabled digital transformation specialists add senior appointments to bolster growth plans

Space-enabled digital transformation specialists add senior appointments to bolster growth plans

Extreme Weather AI Scottish scaleup Krucial , which utilizes space technology to provide digital monitoring solutions for organizations with remote and dispersed assets, has announced two senior appointments to its commercial and executive team as it gears up for continued global growth. Graham Lenden joins Krucial’s executive team as chief commercial officer, while Anna Dawson comes in as head of Energy. These two additions to the commercial team will see a new era for Krucial as they drive growth globally across high-value industries such as aquaculture, energy, infrastructure and food security. Krucial empowers enterprises to unlock digital transformation anywhere in the world, particularly across the most remote and challenging environments. Through its advanced platform of satellite-enabled connectivity, IoT devices, and data applications, Krucial provides continuous access to mission-critical data, enabling organizations to make informed decisions, streamline operations, reduce risks, and promote sustainability. An example of its collaborations is with Mowi, providing continuous environmental monitoring services which continued to provide mission-critical data throughout recent record-breaking Storm Eowyn which impacted millions across the UK and Ireland. Krucial co-founder and CEO Allan Cannon said that “2024 was the most important year yet for Krucial commercially, having deployed our digital solutions across the […]

Leading Digital Transformation in Healthcare Supply Chain Management: Pavan Kanchi's Impact at Cepheid

Leading Digital Transformation in Healthcare Supply Chain Management: Pavan Kanchi’s Impact at Cepheid

His expertise in SAP systems, particularly in Warehouse Management and Project Systems, is complemented by a deep understanding of healthcare industry requirements and regulatory frameworks. Share In the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, when global healthcare systems faced immense pressure to scale diagnostic capabilities, Pavan Pavan Kanchi emerged as a key figure in transforming Cepheid’s supply chain infrastructure. As a crucial member of the SAP implementation and support team, Pavan Kanchi played an instrumental role in expanding the company’s operational capabilities to meet the surging worldwide demand for COVID-19 testing equipment, demonstrating exceptional leadership in digital transformation during one of healthcare’s most critical periods. The scope of this mission-critical initiative encompassed the simultaneous SAP system rollout across five new plants and warehouses throughout the United States. This ambitious expansion required not only technical expertise but also strategic foresight to ensure seamless integration while maintaining operational continuity. Working under aggressive timelines dictated by the urgent global health crisis, Pavan Kanchi demonstrated exceptional technical acumen in bridging new-generation applications with SAP systems through sophisticated API integrations, ensuring uninterrupted data flow across the supply chain network. The technical complexity of the implementation was matched only by its strategic importance. Kanchi’s approach […]

Only 28% of UK Businesses Starting 2025 With Good Digital Health

Only 28% of UK Businesses Starting 2025 With Good Digital Health

UK digital health Just over a quarter (28%) of UK businesses surveyed had good digital health in 2024, around a third (36%) had average, and (36%) had poor health, according to a European digital health study from Zoho , The study rated businesses surveyed on their practices within digital transformation. Large UK businesses tend to perform better when it comes to digital health, with almost two fifths (40%) rated as having good digital health. 27% of medium UK businesses received a good digital health rating, and just 18% of small UK businesses had good digital health. In contrast, Germany performed better, with a third (33%) of businesses surveyed rated as having good digital health. Spain performed similarly to the UK, with 27% of businesses having good digital health, while 20% of businesses in France and 19% of businesses in The Netherlands having good digital health. The Netherlands also had the most businesses surveyed having poor digital health (45%). Compared with the previous year, the results demonstrate some progress with most digital health indicators in all markets. UK businesses surveyed with good digital health are most likely to see AI as critical and are already seeing the benefits from using […]

Businesses must take lead in science technology and innovation

Businesses must take lead in science technology and innovation

Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung has emphasised the role of corporations in leading and developing science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung At a conference on science, technology, innovation, and high-quality human resources held at the Government Office headquarters in Hanoi on February 11, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung emphasised the need for the state to delegate major projects, place orders, and assign tasks to businesses. "Major projects can drive the growth of Vietnamese businesses. If they lack sufficient resources, they will hire foreign expertise. This is preferable to allowing foreign companies to take on domestic projects while employing Vietnamese workers," he said. "Large enterprises must take on national responsibilities, master strategic technologies, and lead key national digital transformation initiatives. This is both a duty and an opportunity for national technology firms to develop into major Vietnamese technology enterprises," Minister Hung added. Resolution No.57-NQ/TW of the Politburo aims to establish five major digital technology corporations, on par with global counterparts, by 2025. Furthermore, large enterprises should lead in technology adoption and digital transformation, setting an example for other businesses and fostering a nationwide wave of scientific […]

Why AI Computing Growth Threatens Global Water Resources

Why AI Computing Growth Threatens Global Water Resources

Data centres are starting to use more water to support AI innovation Rising demands from AI data centres are straining water resources, prompting tech giants like Microsoft and Google to seek sustainable cooling solution As data centres are the backbone of AI technology, they require significant amounts of water to maintain necessary cooling measures, which links directly to the centres’ ability to power AI operations without overheating. The push to develop new cooling technologies is ongoing within the tech industry. However, these advancements could potentially intensify sustainability challenges , particularly with the potential impact on national water supplies due to increased consumption levels. In the UK, the government’s commitment to expand data centre infrastructure aims to boost economic growth but raises concerns about overextending water resources. Now, conversations between industry leaders and governmental agencies are taking place to address potential water shortages in the future. The water demand on data centres The need for water in the AI sector is not going unnoticed. As technology evolves, the need for innovative cooling solutions becomes more acute, prompting companies to seek alternatives like liquid and immersion cooling systems. These solutions aim to reduce both the heat generated by data centres and […]

“Fawry" launches "“Fawry Business”" – A groundbreaking solutions suite to drive digital transformation for businesses in Egypt

“Fawry” launches ““Fawry Business”” – A groundbreaking solutions suite to drive digital transformation for businesses in Egypt

Fawry, Egypt’s leading e-payments solutions provider, has announced the launch of "Fawry Business”, a groundbreaking suite of innovative solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes and the broader business community in Egypt. Image Courtesy: Fawry An integrated electronic collections and payments system Corporate and individual cards in collaboration with Banque Misr SMEs lending solutions Corporate investment in the “Fawry Yawmy” Fund, with an annual return of up to 23% due daily An integrated financial, sales, and procurement management system An integrated HR and payroll management system Cairo, Egypt: Fawry, Egypt’s leading e-payments solutions provider, has announced the launch of "Fawry Business”, a groundbreaking suite of innovative solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes and the broader business community in Egypt. These solutions aim to facilitate operations, boost efficiency, and alleviate daily business challenges. Building on its commitment to digital transformation, Fawry continues to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions that simplify financial transactions and provide essential tools for business success. As a trusted partner in Egypt’s business ecosystem, Fawry reinforces its strategic vision to support digital transformation efforts and advance financial inclusion across the country. “Fawry Business” offers a comprehensive range of solutions for small, medium, and large enterprises across various […]

The Arab Energy Fund Advances Digital Transformation with Temenos Solution Implementation by Systems Arabia

The Arab Energy Fund Advances Digital Transformation with Temenos Solution Implementation by Systems Arabia

( MENAFN – Edelman) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 13 February 2025—The Arab energy Fund, formerly known as APICORP, a leading multilateral impact financial institution, announces the successful implementation of the Temenos Arrangement Architecture Consumer Lending and Facilities Lending solution by Systems Arabia. The implementation will support The Arab Energy Fund’s Corporate Banking by enhancing loan issuance and management, particularly to accommodate products related to sustainability, green initiatives, and Sharia-compliant facilities. Additionally, it improves the Fund’s ability to manage syndicated loans and the functions effectively. Fahad Alshahrani, CSSO of The Arab Energy Fund, added: “This implementation marks a pivotal step in our digital transformation journey, significantly enhancing our operational efficiency and service delivery to our clients. This advancement will enhance our efficiency in providing superior lending offerings to our clients and streamline our agency operations.” Rao Hamid, General Manager, Systems Arabia, commented: “We are proud to partner with The Arab Energy Fund on this transformation, representing a significant leap forward for lending modernization in the region.” William Moroney, Chief Revenue Officer, Temenos, remarked: “Temenos is honored to partner with Systems Arabia in supporting The Arab Energy Fund’s journey toward lending modernization, providing a unified, flexible, and scalable platform for loan servicing.” […]

AI-Enabled Enterprise Architecture: Paving the Way for Digital Transformation in Malaysia’s Public Sector and Higher Education

AI-Enabled Enterprise Architecture: Paving the Way for Digital Transformation in Malaysia’s Public Sector and Higher Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in the digital era, reshaping how organisations align their business strategies with their information technology (IT) infrastructure. Integrating AI into Enterprise Architecture (EA) is a significant development, enabling organisations to optimise operations, innovate, and respond more effectively to an increasingly dynamic digital landscape. EA, a strategic framework that aligns processes, technology, and data with organisational goals, becomes even more powerful when enhanced by AI. This integration offers a more agile, data-driven, and dynamic approach to managing organisational resources and operations. The role of AI in digital transformation is becoming increasingly prominent, particularly in sectors such as higher education and the public sector . By incorporating AI into EA, organisations can streamline operations, foster more significant innovation, and improve decision-making capabilities. The infusion of AI enhances business architecture , data management , applications, and technology frameworks , making these systems more efficient, predictive, and responsive to change. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to revolutionise organisational operations and decision-making processes grows exponentially. The Evolution of Enterprise Architecture (EA) Enterprise Architecture (EA) has existed since the 1980s to manage IT systems and align them with business strategies. One of the earliest and […]