As part of 麻豆原创鈥檚 commitment to helping business become more resilient and agile in today鈥檚 challenging environment, the recent Forum provided free industry-specific webinars that explored how governments, business and the community can work together to drive a faster economic recovery.

The Forum was a follow-up to the inaugural Adaptive Strategies event in May, where industry advisors and executives shared their perspectives on the strategies that Australian and New Zealand organisations were taking in response to some of the challenges we have faced this year – from the bushfires to the global pandemic. Regardless of industry, common themes that emerged were; digital preparedness, the importance of collaboration, business continuity, keeping customers and employees safe, safeguarding supply chains, mitigating risks, and building resilience for future events. Members of our team in the Digital Transformation Office at 麻豆原创 Australia & New Zealand participated in these sessions and here are some highlights.

Adaptive Strategies in a Changed World ACCELERATED

Small and medium enterprise (SME) will play a pivotal role in getting Australia back to work, which according to the 2019 Small Business Ombudsman Report accounts for 35% of our national GDP and 44% of Australia鈥檚 workforce. The SME sector, much like larger enterprises, has been hit by three primary challenges 鈥� cashflow management, employee engagement/availability, and supply chain disruption.

To further understand how innovation and increasing productivity can foster growth in this sector, Hannah Baudert, Federal Government Director at 麻豆原创 spoke with the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), Kate Carnell in the dedicated

For the , Anton Kroger, Director of Energy and Natural Resources at 麻豆原创 hosted a discussion with Angela Williamson, Partner at Integral Supply Networks Advisory, Sanjiv Manchanda, CEO for Atlas Iron, and Robert McCarthy, GM at Dyflex Solutions.

A key takeaway from this session was the importance of engaging with remote workforces and contractors while managing supply chains during this time of uncertainty. With ever-changing legislation and continued fears around the safety and supply of resources 鈥� both human and material, mining operators should utilise technology that helps keep its various stakeholders connected and compliant.

As highlighted in the discussion, it鈥檚 not just about reducing costs and maintaining business continuity but ensuring the productivity and wellbeing of various staff members, processes, and equipment throughout the product lifecycle. Miners should use this opportunity to take stock prior to digital transformation, understand business capacities and systems to ensure they鈥檙e aligned with overarching strategic goals.

Evan Mantis, General Manager for Consumer and Service Industries at 麻豆原创 introduced the with Steven Moraitakis, Transformation Lead for Consumer Goods and Retail at 麻豆原创, and Jackie Pearson, Executive GM for Business Transformation at Sigma Healthcare.

Ms Pearson which they kick-started due to the legacy 鈥榯echnology debt鈥� created across the organisation. With four separate ERP systems and a host of different applications that were highly customised, disparate, and not providing the necessary insights, Sigma Healthcare needed to optimise its technology and processes to operate more intelligently.

Moving ahead with their digital transformation program not only mitigated risk but broke down structural silos and unified all parts of the organisation, allowing staff to work more efficiently while creating value in multiple business areas. Currently in the process of evolving its ERP ecosystem to integrate all data touchpoints into a single platform with 麻豆原创 S/4HANA, Sigma Healthcare was able to withstand the COVID-19 disruption by relying on agile technology and its best in class distribution centres. Ms Pearson is fiercely powering through implementation remotely, emphasising the organisation鈥檚 ability to quickly adapt to new circumstances.

For the , Jonathan Fogarty, Utilities Lead Architect for 麻豆原创 hosted a panel discussion with Danica Lawrence, IS Lead Chief Architect for Powerco NZ, Rob Scott, Director and Principal of HR Strategy and Innovation at Deloitte, Aaron Green, Senior VP and Head of 麻豆原创 SuccessFactors APAC, and Gavin Mooney, Utilities Lead Architect for 麻豆原创 Australia.

With ongoing challenges and uncertainties, the panel discussed the importance of connecting and collaborating with staff while maintaining company culture. As businesses focus on productivity and safety, the key is facilitating remote work with operational and intelligent technologies 鈥� helping staff to work seamlessly and minimising manual, in-field work. For example, Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning capabilities are facilitating predictive maintenance, optimising asset use and longevity while increasing the efficiency of maintenance crews. By assisting fieldworkers through augmented reality, and reducing the amount of fieldwork required using touchless substations and smart metering, utilities are improving their processes and keeping everyone safe during the pandemic.

In the , Peter Jose, General Manager for Financial Services at 麻豆原创 introduced a discussion between Darryl Fox, Industry Account Director at 麻豆原创 and David Earls, Executive GM of Enterprise Services and Technology at IAG. They discussed how IAG are utilising digital technology to empower staff, stay connected to their customers and maintain service continuity. Prior to the lockdown, IAG already had 30% of staff working predominantly from home which helped set a solid foundation in terms of technologies and practices for ensuring productivity.

Evan Mantis opened the with Asha Bisla, GM of Business Applications at Broadspectrum, Shenaz Bilkis, Global Industry Director for Construction and Real Estate at 麻豆原创, and Mike Denning, Business Architect for Service & Engineering Industries at 麻豆原创.

Asha shared insights into how Broadspectrum are working closely with strategic partners to fast track critical processes. Leveraging technology allowed the business to facilitate remote working at scale, manage the scheduling and safety of projects and people, while using communications and analytics software to forecast and plan for ever-changing circumstances.

Uday Bonu, Regional Industry Lead for Public Sector at 麻豆原创 , VP of Digital Government Transformation at 麻豆原创 to explore the impact of COVID-19 on public services and the strategies that can help governments work more efficiently to deal with the increasing demand for social services in the face of declining revenues. By implementing and accelerating digital initiatives, governments and private businesses can help set the industry norms and motivate change for the better in terms of processes and systems.

Taking insights from each of these industry sessions, it is clear that organisations of all sizes, in all industries, are squarely focussed on safeguarding their employees and customers, while maintaining business continuity. Technology and digitisation is playing a vital role in supporting and facilitating rapid change. In polling attendees, 麻豆原创 found that businesses across industry sectors are reprioritising and/or accelerating digitalisation projects in response to the pandemic 鈥� using the global shift to focus more on future-proofing operations.

Access the from the 麻豆原创 2020 Adaptive Strategies in a Changed World ACCELERATED Forum to gain further insights on specific industry challenges and how 麻豆原创 solutions are helping organisation to become more adaptive and resilient in this rapidly changing environment.

This blog originally published on .

The post People and Processes Remain Critical to Business Recovery appeared first on 麻豆原创 Australia & New Zealand News Center.

I spoke with Sally Illingworth, a communications and marketing strategist with previous experience in food retail franchises; Luke Stow, a technology and innovation strategist with a passion for customer experience; and Evan Mantis, Executive General Manager for Consumer and Service Industries at 麻豆原创 ANZ.

Luke noted how it鈥檚 been a challenging time for everyone and how change management has been critical for retail executives during COVID-19. 鈥淚t has really changed the dynamic around customers in their relationships and experiences are changing based upon a world where communication for work and play are minute-by-minute on any device or application. That experience and the way they shop and engage with retailers is an interesting prospect to explore moving forward.鈥�

Sally noted the importance of digital readiness in providing improved experiences to customers and employees, highlighting the importance of resilient and robust supply chains.

鈥淢any retailers that struggled through COVID-19 were due to a lack of digital preparedness.鈥�

A critical questions Luke put forward was about the importance of customer loyalty programs after this global pandemic. 鈥淩etailers should focus on services that can provide customers 鈥� regardless of price point 鈥� a more seamless customer experience,鈥� he explained.

鈥淚t鈥檚 about structuring information systems and little data to get the right info to the right people at the right time to tailor experiences and utilise meaningful insights for the customer or employee journey. Retailers need to build around these journeys rather than a simple supply chain or process.鈥�

Sally agreed about the importance of little data for tailoring customer and employee experiences.

鈥淢any businesses don鈥檛 understand the volume of data they create or have access to, which can make it seem overwhelming. Retailers should be more proactive and targeted with its data to remove an overwhelming feeling and provide a more specified focus.

Data is an asset, manage it correctly to realise benefit for suppliers, retailers, and employees.

Evan noted how these elements are important for a retailers鈥� ability to pivot quickly. 鈥淲e saw two major retailers provide essential boxes, offering a service to society鈥檚 most vulnerable. They鈥檝e also provided temporary employment arrangements for most affected industries such as airlines. That ability to simply and rapidly onboard 20-30,000 people is vital considering major retailers have seen four Christmas peaks within last few months.

鈥淩obust HR solutions like offers retailers insights on staff leave balances, reducing liabilities for compulsory leave rather than layoffs, which really helps morale during this time. But even simple initiatives like Docusign, lets staff sign for things like JobKeeper while keeping them safe and engaged with the business.鈥�

Luke expressed an excitement about the retail sector鈥檚 opportunities moving forward, tailoring supply chains towards experiences rather than just moving goods. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about being included as part of the value chain in delivery and experience to customers, reshaping retail鈥檚 supply chain, distribution, and delivery to customers,鈥� Luke explained.

鈥淗owever, retailers need more little data to offer its supply chain resources and tailor experience requirements for customers at multiple touchpoints 鈥� these are the considerations to get excited about.鈥�

Evan noted the increased focus on an ethical supply chain, particularly considering the Modern Slavery Act 2018 and the wider value of product sustainability, which has become a consumer focus as well. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about the importance of de-risking supply chains,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e seen this in the fashion industry as delays of supply from China impacted on local wholesalers and consequently on retailers and customers.

鈥淩etailers have also come to understand the economic realities to purchases and will need to be more creative around business models, such as sharing costs through common suppliers, warehousing, or systems. COVID-19 has shown the risks of reliance on import, highlighting the need for more local manufacturing, which can also help ensure more ethical and sustainable supply chains.鈥�

Luke look at the value of omnichannel delivery to customers, ensuring backend systems connect to customer-facing digital touchpoints to help leverage capabilities and provide a more seamless customer experience anywhere, anytime, and through any application that enriches communication and engagement between the brand and its customers.

Sally said retailers will experience ongoing challenges due to the impact of COVID-19 on traditional business models. 鈥淭here will be a challenge in pricing for customers on omnichannel; retailers need to be aware of the operating costs of offline versus online to remain competitive. We鈥檝e got more informed customers, so the importance of communication and transparency in terms of unit economics and pricing strategy needs to embraced by retailers to grow out an omnichannel experience.鈥�

Looking at inspiring brands that have adapted well, Evan highlighted Bunnings. 鈥淭heir e-commerce strategy over 12 months has been very good as they鈥檝e especially ramped up over past few months to provide a consistent experience. That combined with Woolworths鈥� essential boxes is why those two retailers emerged out of COVID-19 as trusted brands.

鈥淢oving forward, it鈥檚 about providing a seamless experience and improved digitalisation of customer services. By offering omnichannel, more choice, and an enhanced digital experience, retailers can deliver on promises and grow.鈥�

Sally also noted the importance of digital readiness and embracing change at a leadership level. 鈥淩etailers need a balanced approach to management to adapt and grow from this. They must understand the relationship between costs, investments, employee and customer experience.

鈥淭raditional retail models have changed; we can鈥檛 make ad-hoc decisions based on balance sheets. There needs to be longer term decision making, using a learn as you go approach with agility to test and change.鈥�

To understand more about how the retail sector has changed following COVID-19. To learn how retail is adapting to this new environment with greater practices and technologies than ever before, check out 麻豆原创鈥檚 global webinar, Adaptive Strategies in a Changed World. to see highlights from the retail and consumer products webinar.

To listen to this latest podcast you can visit , and

The post Retail鈥檚 Renaissance – Put Customer Experience First in a Post COVID-19 World appeared first on 麻豆原创 Australia & New Zealand News Center.

Sure, COVID-19 has had devastating effects on businesses everywhere, but this global pandemic has also spearheaded cross-industry collaboration and a common goal towards the health and wellbeing of people.

Forward-thinking businesses are focused on people instead of profits 鈥� assuring staff, customers, and partners through clear communication and steady support. 麻豆原创 is one such business as we are readily available to for helping businesses navigate through this challenging time.

麻豆原创 recently ran a series of virtual forums called , I thought it would be pertinent to share what was discussed with experts from our 麻豆原创 network.

Putting People First
People鈥檚 emotions have always helped inform policy, particularly in response to extreme events or fluctuations. In response to current circumstances, 麻豆原创 is here to assist businesses 鈥� regardless of industry, size, or situation 鈥� by capturing employee sentiment.

Communication is critical at a time like this, as retail and consumer products companies stare into challenges of their people being overworked, working from home or being stood down. Employers in consumer industries have a responsibility to extend their duty of care and demonstrate understanding towards their staff during this time.

During the virtual forum, my colleagues Crissa Sumner and Steve Bennetts, who are also licensed psychologists, provided their perspectives on the impacted groups. Crissa and Steve outlined what to look out for and, in certain instances, how to activate upskilling for employees.

Supply Chain Risk and the Modern Slavery Act 2018
passed by the Australian Government requires companies to report on modern slavery throughout the supply chain. Companies must be able demonstrate that all its inputs and finished products sold are sourced and produced from ethical organisations.

Modern slavery isn鈥檛 just unethical, but can open a business up to legal, financial and reputational risk. The key to mitigating these risks is having the right mechanism to provide visibility across the business and all its suppliers.

The key is to ensure cross-business transparency so that consumer products companies and retailers mitigate supply chain risks both from a Modern Slavery and post COVID-19 supplier risk perspective.

To cover this topic in some detail hosted Abigail McGregor from Norton Rose Fulbright Australia. Abigail is a dispute resolution lawyer located in Sydney and leads the Norton Rose Fulbright Business Ethics Anti-Corruption Group in Australia.

With the environment ever changing, join our second forum in the .

In this ACCELERATED version, you will have the chance to hear from industry experts on the current analysis and interpretation, along with assessment of 听repercussions and ripple effect of the last few months.

This blog originally published on

The post Adaptive Strategies for Consumer Industries Beyond COVID-19 appeared first on 麻豆原创 Australia & New Zealand News Center.

Yet with uncertainty, comes an opportunity for organisations and people to gain a deeper understanding of how us in being more resilient, flexible, and agile.

Earlier this year, 麻豆原创 produced a series of virtual industry forums, with the intention of delivering insights into the latest trends, technology innovations, and best practice across several industries:

Retail – Customer-Centric Convenience to Sustainable Shopping:
Listen to Salling Group A/S explain how a single digital core across the whole business is helping it to respond to changing customer demands and drive innovation, efficiency, and growth. for the 15th April.

听

Consumer Products 鈥� Driving rapid innovation to meet Customer Demand:
Get insights from Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP on how it is driving rapid digital transformation across every part of its business to be more agile, efficient, and responsive to changing customer demands. for the 15th April

听

Banking – From Behavioural Banking to Smart Loan Origination:
Hear how South African start-up Discovery Bank Limited is creating an exciting new business model with its unique behavioural banking approach. for the 16th April

听

Insurance – From Touchless Claims to Healthy Incentives:
Learn how Discovery Health Group in South Africa is making a real difference to personal well-being by incentivising its customers to make healthier lifestyle choices. for the 16th April

听

Oil and Gas 鈥� Be part of Digital Innovation to drive efficiency:
Understand the intelligent technologies at the core of Chevron Corporation鈥檚 digital transformation, making it more agile and efficient. for the 16th April

听

Utilities 鈥� Future proofing through transformation:
Get key lessons from The United Arab Emirates鈥�, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, on how it maintained its global ranking of number one utility by World Bank for the third consecutive year, with scores of 100% in all Getting Electricity indicators. for the 16th April

听

Public Sector – From Smart States to Citizen-Centred Services:
Hear from industry leaders on how today鈥檚 challenging environment, along with the transition into the experience economy, is impeding citizen trust levels in Government. This increasing gap is instilling a need for leaders to explore new approaches in becoming a data-driven digital Governments. for the 21st April

Featuring customer interviews and industry deep dives, these virtual forums are designed to deliver quality learning opportunities to support and inspire ongoing transformation efforts.

Build a Business with Purpose
At 麻豆原创 we believe in helping the world run better to improve people鈥檚 lives, a value which is ever-more important than ever during these unprecedented times. As many organisations, pivot to support our communities and people, we hope the industry forums will help inspire you further, by showcasing tangible ideas around how technology can support you on your journey.

Register today for your industry forum: , , , ,, ,

The post Dealing with Disruption: How to Understand, Explore and Have Confidence in Driving Transformation Approaches appeared first on 麻豆原创 Australia & New Zealand News Center.