News, views and analysis from NZ’s tech sector No Images? Click here Hi there, Frucor Suntory is a Kiwi success story. Originally conceived to add value to reject apples, it has grown to employ 1,000 staff across Australia and New Zealand and has built a portfolio of more than 30 brands, including V, Sparkling OH and Pepsi, along with the iconic originals: Fresh Up and Just Juice. It’s also a company that has ambitious growth plans built on digitisation and sophisticated IT systems. CIO Pieter Bakker outlined the digital transformation the company has been through – and is still going through. His lessons learned along the way can be applied to companies of all shapes and sizes. In other news:
Esker also offers up some tips on machine learning and how it can be used to flag potential errors in orders, keeping your customers happy and freeing up staff to focus on work that adds value. Upcoming on the event radar is our next Lunch Box webinar: Advanced Manufacturing. With panellists from Fisher & Paykel Facteon and Hamilton Jet, it promises to be an interesting session. Enjoy the read, Heather Wright CIO Interview: Pieter Bakker juices up DX at FrucorDigital builds momentum for FMCG drinks brand machine… Success breeds success – and for Frucor Suntory’s A/NZ IT team, that’s meant three major digital transformation programmes over the past three years. “It’s about putting in a minimum viable product in first and learning and adapting frequently to progressively deliver value.” Aussie space startup takes to orbit with Rocket Lab'Yeah nah we've got room in the boot, chuck her in, she'll be right no worries, cheers'... ANZAC space collaboration has been boosted with Australian IoT start-up Fleet Space Technologies’ first satellites heading into orbit on Rocket Lab’s next mission. “This rapid turnaround time is what the space industry really needs now.” Big Blue chases cloud market with US$34b Red Hat acquisitionIBM’s proposed acquisition of open source cloud software company Red Hat will create the world's largest open source software portfolio... It’s the biggest software deal ever, and expectations are high as to the potential impact IBM’s purchase of Red Hat will have for businesses using cloud. “This deal gives IBM a new stronghold in the cloud development platforms market.” Mixed reality revolution finally gets underway downunderAustraliasian VR, AR and mixed reality on the cusp of broad adoption… There are few potential technologies out there that cause as much excitement as VR, so when Facebook unveils a new VR headset people pay attention. “Anyone who still looks at augmented and virtual reality as an entertainment thing with a marketing spinoff had better look again.” What will telco digital services bring Kiwi business?Or are telcos neglecting Kiwi business in their rush to consumer-focused streaming?.. Consumer focused streaming content (RWC, anyone?) may have been a big focus for Kiwi telcos this year, but new business focused digital services are also on their way. “CRM-as-a-service is likely to see big growth.” How machine learning can raise the bar in customer serviceUsing AI to power the next decade of customer experience will reduce errors in sales orders says Esker's Eric Bussy... Machines are exceptionally good students. We can see that in the rapid and widespread adoption of machine learning. “ML will ensure orders are processed correctly and free up staff to do what they do best – delivering on promises and fulfilling customer needs.” This week's sponsor: Upcoming events: > Chief Data & Analytics Officer New Zealand | Nov 7-8 | Auckland iStart is proudly supported by these leading 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 eNewsletter 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
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