| | August 20146CIOReviewOpportunities for Integration and InnovationBy Nicholas J. Smither, Group VP & CIO, FordThe industry is going through a sea of change with several trends assuming significance. Efforts over past decades have shifted focus from transactional process automation (e.g. payroll, finance and accounting applications) in the eighties to driving improvements in time to market through product simulation and manufacturing automation using CADCAM/CAE during the nineties. Across the extended enterprise, there have been continuous improvements with increased integration of supplier and dealer capability. More recently the focus has been to shift from mainly an efficiency or productivity motivation, to enabling top line growth and revenue. The present technological era is more focused on full integration of these systems with a vision to drive seamless processes across the entire digital enterprise.There is a very significant focus in the connectivity space. The industry focus has historically been on business connectivity with key partners, including dealers and suppliers. More recently Ford has extended connectivity to include the Vehicle and the Customer with SYNC and My Ford Touch. As technology advances continue and consumer expectations relative to connectivity increase, there is untapped potential to enable rich customer experiences both inside and outside the vehicle.Although these developments have resulted in unprecedented growth in capabilities, there is still much room for advancement. The one feature which could prove a game changer in the employee connectivity OpinionFord Motor Company, (NYSE:F) a Michigan based automotive firm manufactures and distributes automobiles across the globe. The organization has a market cap of $70.54 billion. As technology advances continue and consumer expectations relative to connectivity increase, there is untapped potential to enable rich customer experiences both inside and outside the vehicle
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