| | MARCH 20199CIOReviewEliminate sources of error whenever possible by mapping out your sources of truth. For instance, instead of re-keying information from the packaging to complete item listings on e-commerce websites, consider connecting or linking to the original sources of the approved, high-quality information that ends up on the package. The sources, for example, could include systems like Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), the Digital Asset Management (DAM), Marketing Asset Management (MAM). Digitize everything. This is why if you digitize a task, you can probably start to automate at least part of it, and then also connect the output of the task to other departments and systems that need that output. The output could be design files, product content, images romance copy or other content that is on the package. If everything is digitized, it allows for a seamless, error-free workflow throughout the entire value chain.Invest in digital skills and technologies. None of the above is possible unless your organization is willing to invest in building digital capabilities and in taking a calculated amount of risk. The outcomes from applying digital technologies are not certain; many digital technologies, especially AI and IoT, are still evolving. Gartner places them at the peak of the hype cycle. But they are also maturing fast and will become mainstreamin the next few years. If you haven't already embarked on the digital journey, your company risks losing out to the competition and being rendered irrelevant by your customers. Start small and focus on quick easy wins ­but also keep on the lookout for business transformation opportunities ­ that's the real promise of digitization and a source of lasting competitive advantage. The way people are shopping is changing, and our processes for creating and bringing products to market should evolve accordingly. Insights from the food and beverage study allow senior leaders to identify the many opportunities that already exist to optimize, evolve and connect packaging; driving increased sales, increased relevance and the transformation of the technology platforms that support the entire packaging value chain. And as the CIO, you can help steer the innovation of process and tools used to make products, which can often be the competitive advantage. Arun Saksena
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