Hi there,

The World Economic Forum is bullish about the potential for Industry 4.0 to bolster global economies – supported by McKinsey figures suggesting it has potential to deliver 2-6 percent better margins across advanced industries.

But there’s a big problem: Scaling beyond pilots. Sure all these innovations are possible, but what does it take to roll them out?

The WEF and McKinsey are shining a light on ‘lighthouse’ Industry 4.0 projects, hoping others can learn from their successes.

In other news this week:

MYOB to go private despite grumblings
Bots are stealing our data – who knew?
Facebook pushes for data privacy
Insurtech less disruptor more enabler

If AR automation is on your list of improvement opportunities, we present a workbook to help show how it can provide strategic business benefits, including happier, more productive staff.

Lastly, IT project success is surely in everyone’s interests. So too should be our Modern Software Project Management webinar – register now for May 15 to learn why best practice may not always be the right practice.

Enjoy the read,

Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.co.nz

INDUSTRY 4.0

Shining a light on Industry 4.0 success

Pilot purgatory awaits many, but 'lighthouse' examples guide the way to success…

The World Economic Forum is shining a light on exemplar Industry 4.0 DX projects in an effort to guide companies out of ‘pilot purgatory’.

“Scaling is a bigger hurdle than getting the ball rolling in the first place.”

[Read more]

ACQUISITION

MYOB takeover to go ahead

It’s a done deal – despite key shareholder’s objections…

The Federal Court of Australia has approved the AU$2.2 billion MYOB takeover by global private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR).

“We remain very disappointed that you failed to change your recommendation in light of the material improvement in market conditions…”

[Read more]

CYBERSECURITY

Revenge of the Bots

Credential abuse bot attacks going un-noticed down under…

Australian businesses are clueless about who – or more specifically, what – is accessing their website, resulting in a spike in credential abuse attacks.

“As many aspects of our lives are global – and much of our information now lives online – this shift places tremendous emphasis on businesses to protect and defend against potential threats.”

[Read more]

SOCIAL MEDIA

Is Facebook finally cracking down on its dodgy data collectors?

Facebook is banning data-hungry – but otherwise useless – apps from its platform as it looks to plug its data leaks. But is it enough?…

It’s been a rough time for Facebook. First came the Cambridge Analytica scandal, then the revelations of Russian meddling in the US elections.

“Apps with minimal utility, such as personality quizzes, may not be permitted on the platform.”

[Read more]

DISRUPTION

Kiwi insurtech enhancing, rather than disrupting, insurance

And putting customer back in focus…

Customer experience is a key focus for NZ’s burgeoning insurtech sector, with a survey also showing insurtech is enhancing, rather than disrupting, traditional business.

“New companies are addressing underlying problems, and leveraging opportunities… to reduce friction points, which has the potential to benefit traditional participants and customers.”

[Read more]

WHITEPAPER

Whitepaper: Thankfully, there’s more to accounts receivable than ERP

If you’re ready to automate what should be automated in the AR process, this workbook’s for you…

The AR modules offered by ERP systems are good for many things.

AR automation can not only make your processes run more efficiently, but translate into strategic business benefits.

[Read more]

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