The digital transformation of industry is not solely about technology. Collaboration and intelligent data use are also required. How can Swiss industrial companies overcome data silos, build a collaborative culture and create a real competitive advantage? Find out from two experts.
Data and collaboration are key drivers of innovation and competitive advantage in industry. Companies that successfully combine these two elements can tap into new markets, increase productivity and reduce costs. Read the article to find out how important data and collaboration are for Swiss industrial companies and what managers need to consider if they want to successfully implement their digitalisation strategies and innovation projects.
Why data alone is not the new gold
Data is the fuel for digital transformation. ‘By analysing and using business data, key personnel within organisations can make informed decisions, optimise processes and develop new, data-based business models,’ emphasises Philipp Schmid, Head of Manufacturing Industries at Swisscom.
‘Data is worthless without expert knowledge and context.’
Philipp Schmid, Head of Manufacturing Industries, Swisscom
However, leveraging data is not as easy as it looks. Many companies struggle to integrate, process and use their data effectively. ‘Data often resides in silos, is stored in an unstructured way or is difficult to access due to outdated IT systems,’ explains Philipp Schmid. Organisations need to invest in modern data infrastructure and define clear data strategies and goals to overcome this barrier. Philipp Schmid puts it in a nutshell: ‘Data alone is not the new gold – annotated, enriched data is the ultimate asset. Data is worthless without expert knowledge and context.’
How collaboration unlocks new potential
In addition to data, internal and external collaboration and cooperation are key success factors for innovation. ‘In our networked world, industrial companies benefit enormously from collaboration across departmental and corporate boundaries,’ emphasises Lea Im Obersteg, founder of Im Obersteg Connect and Head of Collaborative Innovation at GF Piping Systems.
‘The best solutions arise from honest and ongoing dialogue.’
Lea Im Obersteg, founder of Im Obersteg Connect and
Head of Collaborative Innovation, GF Piping Systems
However, this requires a culture of sharing, mutual trust and openness to new ideas. ‘Innovation rarely happens in isolation,’ says Lea Im Obersteg. ‘Instead, the best solutions result from the honest and ongoing exchange of knowledge and experience – including with external parties.’ Companies that foster a culture of open collaboration across departments and hierarchical levels can increase their pace of innovation by making faster decisions, better managing risks and shortening the time to market for new products and services.
Servitisation: pivoting from products to digital services
Data is the basis for servitisation – the shift from pure product manufacturer to integrated service provider. In-depth data analysis is a prerequisite for understanding and predicting customer behaviour and developing tailor-made digital services. Servitisation offers great opportunities for manufacturing companies: according to a study by the University of St. Gallen (HSG; in german), 55% of Swiss companies state that services are important for their customers.
With this in mind, organisations need not only powerful data infrastructures but also an established culture of collaboration. ‘The evolution of an industrial company, e.g. from a traditional product manufacturer to a service company, requires courage and strong trust within the team. It’s important to involve employees early enough in the transformation process and to ensure that everyone interacts with mutual respect and speaks the same ‘language’. This often requires a facilitator,’ says Lea Im Obersteg.
Three success factors for innovation projects in industry
Companies that want to leverage data and collaboration for greater innovation should keep a few key points in mind:
1. Use annotated data
Data is useless without context. Data combined with expert knowledge and experience is the true gold. What is your most valuable company data and where is it located? What are the specific benefits for your company and your customers?
2. Make data an integral part of your business strategy
Data should be part of your overarching business strategy and generate effective added value. Which data strategy is right for your goals? Where does the greatest leverage lie for your company?
3. Foster internal and external collaboration
Successful ideas arise when experts in different disciplines work together. What structures can you create to facilitate interdisciplinary and external collaboration? What roles do you need in your company to achieve this?
Your next step: smart manufacturing workshop
Are you interested in smart manufacturing? Would you like to drive innovation or implement new business models? Discuss which approaches are best for your company in a free workshop with our experts.
Secure a long-term competitive advantage
Data and collaboration are key success factors for Swiss companies that want to remain competitive in the future. ‘The question is not whether I, as an industrial company, can monetise my product or service – but whether I will even survive in tomorrow’s market if I don’t actively tackle digital transformation,’ emphasises Philipp Schmid.
This requires a holistic transformation process that encompasses technology, corporate culture and working methods in equal measure.
