Hi there,

It might be the new industrial revolution, but Industry 4.0 progress is proving slower than many had expected. In fact, a new Deloitte survey shows there’s a distinct tempering in Industry 4.0 optimism among c-suite executives.

There’s enthusiasm, to be sure, and plenty of believers, but when it comes to actually getting on with delivering Industry 4.0 initiatives and harnessing its benefits, there are few real converts. It’s a disconnect we’re seeing frequently with emerging technologies, as companies grapple with ever increasing complexity in the face of resource constraints.

But, apparently, there is a silver lining.

In other news this week:

Accenture’s latest SAP buy up
Making AI work in the real world
The question of data operations ownership
Are you being served? The robot revolution hits retail

We also take a look at the benefits that a new fit for purpose, modern billing system has given New Zealand’s largest telecommunications infrastructure provider, Chorus.

Enjoy the read,

Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.com.au

INDUSTRY 4.0

Tech, talent or strategy? What stands in the way of Industry 4.0?

A new survey finds C-suite execs optimistic about Industry 4.0 – but only in principle…

While the honeymoon isn’t exactly over, a new Deloitte survey finds a tempering of the Industry 4.0 optimism.

“Short-termism and the struggle to develop effective, holistic strategies that take advantage of Industry 4.0 technologies continue.”

[Read more]

ACQUISITION

Accenture snaps up A/NZ SAP partner

Adds supply chain solutions and BI expertise to stable…

Accenture has continued its buying binge, snapping up SAP consultancy Icon Integration for an undisclosed sum, adding new supply chain and business intelligence expertise to its lineup.

The deal will help meet rising demand for technology solutions by SAP users.

[Read more]

ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE

Taking AI from sci-fi to real-world payoff

AI is hard. But PwC and EXL think they’ve got the plans to guide you…

It’s a term bandied about frequently, but while artificial intelligence may be moving from the realms of science fiction and becoming a reality, for many businesses it’s still proving a challenge.

“In 2020 much of the AI excitement will come from results that may sound mundane.”

[Read more]

DATA

Who owns your company data?

Survey highlights data disconnect – and lack of senior exec buy-in…

The majority of Australian businesses are failing to get buy-in from senior management for data strategies – or to even have the basics of who owns company data in place.

“Australian businesses view data as critically important, but they’re struggling to get buy-in leadership to prioritise their data strategies.”

[Read more]

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Robots eyeing up retail

Ready or not, it’s a bold new retail age of AI, automation and robotics…

Digital transformation has never been easy. While good intentions are plentiful, actually operationalising those grand designs can be a different matter.

Choosing the right candidate, whether man or machine, will be the new challenge for business.

[Read more]

ERP BILLING SYSTEM

Chorus transforms billing engine

Partnership with Zag delivers a fit-for-purpose billing system, independent from Spark…

When it comes to billing your customers, having a reliable yet flexible system is crucial.

"It's a fit for purpose modern system that works for us."

[Read more]

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