GE, Columbia Sportswear and Chitale Dairy are Redefining Their Businesses
In my role leading Dell Services and IT, I talk with customers and IT leaders every day– there is no better way to learn how Dell and its partners are helping customers meet the needs of their businesses. More importantly, these conversations often shine a light on the new and evolving challenges these businesses face. One thing I hear over and over again is just how complex Digital and IT Transformation initiatives can be for an organization.
These challenges aren’t limited to organizations at the bleeding edge of technology adoption. In fact, a recent study conducted by industry research firm Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG), which assessed the IT Transformation maturity of 1,000 large companies around the world, found that only 5 percent of the companies surveyed described themselves as “Digitally Transformed” and reaping the benefits of IT Transformation. But, 71 percent of these companies agree that they will not be competitive without IT Transformation. So although most of these organizations recognize that IT Transformation is critical to their future success, they still have a long way to go.
The study also demonstrates that the benefits of IT Transformation are significant:
- More mature organizations are seven times more likely than the least mature organizations to recognize IT as a competitive differentiator and profit center
- Ninety-six percent of more mature organizations exceeded revenue targets last year and are more than twice as likely to meet revenue goals than the least mature organizations
A Partner with Broad Capabilities
ESG’s research demonstrates the benefits of IT and Digital Transformation are clear, but how can organizations move ahead on this journey and achieve their own transformation goals? Organizations want a partner who can help them address their challenges head on, across their organization. They want a single partner, with a broad portfolio, from the desktop to the data center, as well as consulting capabilities, services and support, which will help them take a big-picture view, and lead them on their transformation journey.
General Electric, Columbia Sportswear and Chitale Dairy are three companies that are successfully driving transformations. GE, with its Predix platform, is developing applications for the Industrial Internet, and is already transforming cities, hospitals and factories. Built on the Pivotal Cloud Foundry platform, Predix offers an operating system for developing, testing and delivering secure software that powers everything from safer jet engines, to more intelligent streets, connecting industrial equipment via sensors, to analyze data, and deliver real-time insights.
Columbia Sportswear modernized its IT Infrastructure to make it more efficient, more flexible, more robust and more reliable. From 3-D modeling, to business optimization, to supply chain acceleration, Columbia is maximizing technology to reach customers faster and more efficiently. Integrating cutting-edge analytics technology with existing IT, Columbia is using Digital Technology to unlock new opportunities and better meet customer needs.
Cows Turned into Data Centers?
Chitale Dairy, one of India’s largest dairies, wanted to scale its family business to thousands of satellite farmers. Their main goal was to boost animal health, which results in higher milk production, higher quality, and the need for less land. Chitale attached RFID tags to more than 50,000 cloud-connected cows to monitor health, milk production, nutritional needs, and other parameters. The data is uploaded to the cloud, interpreted by the dairy’s veterinarians and then shared with about 10,000 satellite farmers via SMS messages sent to their mobile phones on a daily basis so they can better manage their livestock and operations. The ability to monitor, react and predict cow behavior and health in real time is providing Chitale Dairy with extraordinary results.
I’m looking forward to seeing companies like Columbia and GE at our upcoming Dell World in Las Vegas, from May 8 to May 11. Both companies, and many more, will be demonstrating how they are realizing the many benefits of Digital Transformation and accelerating their businesses. With more than 500 technology sessions and breakout tracks, Dell World will provide the tools and strategies you need to grow your skills, optimize your IT infrastructure and drive your Digital Transformation. I hope to see you there!
