News, views and analysis from A/NZ tech sector No images? Click here 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:
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
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.” AQUISITION Accenture snaps up A/NZ SAP partnerAdds 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. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Taking AI from sci-fi to real-world payoffAI 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.” DIGITAL PAYMENTS Winners and losers in the banking gameThere’s a billion dollar opportunity for local banks if they’re prepared to adopt new tech and business models… The growth of digital payments and competition from non-banks could cost local banks billions in payments revenue over the coming years, but it’s also opening up a new multi-billion dollar opportunity – if banks are brave enough. DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Robots eyeing up retailReady 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.ERP BILLING SYSTEM Chorus transforms billing enginePartnership 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." PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Upcoming events: > DX 2020 | Mar 17 | Auckland iStart is proudly supported by these leading New Zealand software providers: Latest Buyer's Guides ERP Buyer's Guide | CRM Buyer's Guide | HR/HCM Buyer's Guide | BI Buyer's Guide Privacy statement: We have sent this weekly newsletter to you at your e-mail address: [email address suppressed]. iStart will never share your e-mail address, but you may from time to time receive other event invitations or partner communications from us. You can opt out of these by managing your subscription preferences, where you can also update your e-mail address and other details. Find out more about iStart | Advertise with iStart | Subscribe |