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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
  • Banking’s billion dollar opportunity 
  • 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.co.nz

 


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…

 
Industry 4.0

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]

 

AQUISITION

Accenture snaps up A/NZ SAP partner

Adds supply chain solutions and BI expertise to stable…

 
Accenture acquires Icon Integration

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]

 

ARTIFICIAL 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…

 
Guide to Artificial Intelligence

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]

 

DIGITAL PAYMENTS

Winners and losers in the banking game

There’s a billion dollar opportunity for local banks if they’re prepared to adopt new tech and business models…

 
Digital payments

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.

“The potential for data monetisation remains strong.”​

[Read more]

 
 

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Esker Sovos Trustweaver 2020 report
 
 

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Robots eyeing up retail

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

 
Robots in retail

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…

 
Chorus transforms billing system with Zag

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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