‘FlyEasy’ parametric cover is now available on Zurich Indonesia’s Travel Product: offering real-time lounge access for delayed flights
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Blink Parametric, in partnership with Zurich, has launched flight disruption assistance solution ‘FlyEasy’. Coverage is on the Zurich Indonesia direct channel via the Zurich Edge platform. Leveraging parametric technology, the proposition has been designed to instantly activate coverage benefits upon confirmation of a flight delay. This seamless, fully-digital approach provides ultimate convenience to customers, relieving them of traditional claims processes and allowing them to enjoy their travels with greater peace of mind.
The expansion is part of the agreement signed in January 2024. The award-winning flight delay solution can now be offered to Zurich’s customers across Asia Pacific via the Zurich Edge Platform.
Zurich Asia Pacific Network
This integration is the second rollout this year under the framework agreement to offer Blink Parametric solutions to Zurich Asia Pacific network partners and customers across Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Japan. The first was with Singapore-based OTA Klook in March.
Once a customer registers their flight details pre-travel, Blink Parametric monitors that flight in real-time. Also, in the event of a flight delay of two-hours, the customer will automatically be offered real-time assistance of complimentary access to a VIP airport lounge. The lounge pass will have extended validity with a shelf-life of six-months if not used on the day of disruption. The benefit will be applicable for single trip and annual multi-trip executive and premier international travel plan insurance customers. No claims filing or application processing is required.
Sukma Darman, Head of Digital, Zurich Indonesia commented, “One of Zurich Edge’s key objectives is to bring a fresh perspective on insurance to our partners and customers. We can then deliver personalised, customer-centric solutions using next-gen technology. Blink Parametric have helped us to achieve successful travel insurance integrations for the Asia Pacific region throughout this year. This includes delivery of innovative real-time assistance for our valued customers when they need us.”
Blink Parametric & FlyEasy
“This latest Zurich Indonesia integration coincides directly with our strategic move to further expand and support our business development and partner activities across the APAC region,” says Richard Pollard, Director of Strategic Accounts, Blink Parametric. “Furthermore, our work with the Zurich team this year has been significant, with two successful launches to date. It’s now possible for Zurich partners to tap into the Zurich Edge platform and deploy our real-time travel assistance solution under the FlyEasy brand with speed and efficiency. Exactly how it should be!”
Blink Parametric is recognised as one of the most innovative and successful providers of travel InsurTech solutions to insurers world-wide. It offers real-time assistance and service choices to travellers impacted by flight disruption events. Blink Parametric travel solutions are fully customisable and designed to deliver operational efficiency. Moreover, processing high frequency, low value travel insurance claims when the traveller needs immediate real-time claim resolution.
AXA UK has launched new online InsurTech tools to enable customers to notify claims digitally for both home and car insurance
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AXA customers can now benefit from a new and improved digital service when making an insurance claim. They can use InsurTech tools that allow them to notify losses online. The improved online service allows customers to notify AXA of their claim online anytime they choose. Not only will it be more convenient, but it will also make for a more efficient claims experience. This allows AXA to offer support and resolve claims in a timely manner.
AXA Online Insurance Tools
Car insurance customers can register claims for road traffic accidents, theft of vehicle, lost or stolen keys, misfuelling, storm or flood damage and malicious damage. Using this service gives customers the option of an end-to-end digital notification experience. It offers a broader choice in the ways they can interact with customer service teams.
Home insurance customers can also use the tools to register claims online for theft, escape of water, flood, storm, accidental damage and accidental loss. This is then picked up by the customer service team to take the claim forward.
Making an impact with customers
The improved service is already making an impact with customers. A recent home insurance claim was reviewed and a supplier was instructed within two hours of being registered online. Motor insurance customers have also been able to book in their vehicle for repairs within minutes of notifying AXA of a claim.
“We know that our customers’ expectations have evolved in recent years. They want the claims process to be quick, clear and simple. That’s why we’ve worked hard to ensure that these enhanced digital claims tools offer customers fast and seamless journeys. At a time when they need it most as well as offering increased flexibility and improving their overall experience.”
Suzy Tiffany, Retail Claims Director at AXA UK
AXA has focused on how it can improve customers’ experiences and interactions by providing digital capabilities where possible across its claims journeys. The claims submission service can also be accessed by brokers, enhancing the claims journey for them and their clients.
However, all the usual channels will still be available for brokers and customers to contact the claims teams. Even if they have notified a claim online, they can still pick up the phone and speak to someone if they prefer.
Technological innovation is disrupting traditional business models, and customers now expect faster, more convenient service. Personalisation is crucial, with customers…
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Technological innovation is disrupting traditional business models, and customers now expect faster, more convenient service. Personalisation is crucial, with customers wanting insurance tailored to their specific needs. Enter InsurTech.
Digital transformation is a must for insurance companies. Early adopters reap benefits, while others risk falling behind. We explore five key benefits of digital transformation in insurance, highlighting strong reasons for companies to embrace the InsurTech revolution.
Digital transformation helps businesses improve workflows and empowers employees to work more efficiently and effectively. Adopting a digital culture can significantly cut down on time spent on tasks, eliminate manual processes, and introduce new features. Even basic automation of important steps can lead to substantial savings on overhead costs.
Research by the Harvard Business Review shows that over 89 percent of large companies worldwide are already implementing digital transformation initiatives, with projections of a 31 percent increase in revenue and a 25 percent reduction in costs.
An example of how digital transformation fosters innovation is the collaboration between Fingent and the California law firm Sapra & Navarra. Together, they developed Ambit, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that streamlines workers’ compensation claims management. By using AI, Ambit speeds up the claims process and reduces associated costs.
Benefit 2: Enhanced Customer Experience
Improving customer experience and engagement is a key benefit of digital transformation. Data analysis helps insurers understand their customers better. This allows them to develop personalised products and improve customer service.
An example is XYZ Insurance. The company created a digital sales app for agents, launched an online e-commerce platform, and built a self-service app for customers on smartphones. This digital ecosystem streamlines the entire insurance process, from getting quotes and completing applications to uploading documents and making payments.
Benefit 3: Data-Driven Insights
For underwriting, digital transformation means unlocking new ways to analyse data and make decisions. AI is a key player in this change. AI can analyse massive amounts of data using algorithms and predictive analytics. This helps uncover patterns and connections that human underwriters might miss. These insights benefit both insurance companies and policyholders.
AI helps assess risk more accurately. By pinpointing potential problems with greater precision, AI allows underwriters to set appropriate premiums. This reduces the risk of setting premiums too low or too high, leading to a healthier insurance portfolio for the company.
Benefit 4: Increased Agility
Predictive analytics is a powerful tool at the core of digital transformation. It uses complex algorithms and machine learning to analyse massive datasets. This helps insurers uncover valuable patterns and trends to make better decisions in various areas of their business.
One key benefit is risk mitigation. Analysing historical data and current trends lets insurers better assess risk profiles and price policies more accurately. Additionally, predictive modelling helps them simulate future scenarios, such as a major weather event’s impact on their business. This foresight enables proactive adjustments and risk-reduction strategies.
Benefit 5: Improved Compliance
Regulatory technology (RegTech) helps insurance companies navigate compliance challenges. It provides smarter ways to analyse information. This allows them to see potential risks across a much larger dataset than ever before.
Insurers used to check a small sample of policies to find problems with sales or pricing. This took a lot of resources and only covered a tiny fraction of customers. RegTech, combined with advanced data analysis, can streamline this process. By looking at all their policies, insurers can identify potential issues more efficiently.
Conclusion
The traditional insurance industry faces pressure to keep pace with a rapidly changing digital world. Rising customer demands and innovative competitors threaten their position, but digital transformation offers a powerful set of tools to overcome these challenges and unlock new growth.
Digital technologies can streamline internal processes, making them more efficient and cost-effective. This translates to a smoother experience for customers with faster processing times and simpler interactions. Additionally, digital tools let insurers analyse data more effectively and improve risk management and regulatory compliance.
By investing in innovation, insurers can develop new products and services that meet evolving customer needs. This proactive approach strengthens their market position and lays the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth.
Fuelled by the Covid-19 pandemic and a projected market size of $166.4 billion by 2030, InsurTech companies are revolutionising the…
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Fuelled by the Covid-19 pandemic and a projected market size of $166.4 billion by 2030, InsurTech companies are revolutionising the insurance industry.
These firms offer digital alternatives in a typically slow-to-change industry. Furthermore, their innovative solutions have empowered traditional insurers to accelerate digitalisation and streamline processes.
These are the leading firms that have helped this traditional field both adapt and start rapidly catching up to efficiency trends associated with more dynamic industries.
Introduction to InsurTech Innovation
The insurance industry is undergoing a transformative shift fuelled by InsurTech.
Innovating technologies for insurers is about finding novel solutions to longstanding challenges and harnessing emerging trends to shape the future of the industry.
Insurance leaders are almost unanimous in recognising that innovation as not just important, but critical to future success. Moreover, insurers who fail to embrace InsurTech advances, and the wave of digital insurance products and opportunities they represent, risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive and dynamic industry.
Oscar Health
Oscar Health built itself from the ground up with a tech-first approach focused on member service. This unique strategy aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Americans.
Oscar’s commitment to exceptional service is reflected in its sky-high Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 50 and a near-perfect 97% member satisfaction rate for virtual care. With a presence in over 577 counties across 20 states, Oscar Health’s impact on the InsuTech industry is undeniable.
NEXT Insurance
A leader in small business insurance, NEXT Insurance offers easy-to-understand, digital coverage designed specifically for the self-employed. Also, their recently launched Copilot tool empowers agents to serve micro-businesses efficiently. Copilot streamlines the process for both sides. Business owners can get quotes and bind coverage online instantly, while agents gain a simplified workflow to boost revenue.
Vouch
Since 2018, Vouch has emerged as a prominent force in the InsurTech space by transforming the way business insurance serves high-growth companies. Vouch recently launched AI Insurance, a groundbreaking product specifically designed to mitigate risks for AI startups in this rapidly developing field.
Hippo
Hippo stands out for its proactive approach to homeowners insurance. Partnering with homeowners to implement smart home devices and personalised safety recommendations, Hippo prioritises preventing hazards before they occur. This commitment has secured their position as a top InsurTech firm, protecting over 200,000 homes across most US states.
Bestow
Bestow prioritises simplifying insurance and boosting financial security for everyone. It believes the process shouldn’t be daunting, so they leverage cutting-edge technology and data throughout the entire value chain to streamline everything. Furthermore, its commitment to innovation is evident in the recent launch of permanent life insurance and the addition of AI features to its underwriting workbench.
QuanTemplate
Founded in 2011, QuanTemplate uses machine learning and big data to empower businesses through digital transformation. Its core offering, a data integration, automation, and analytics platform, equips insurance professionals with the tools to unlock valuable insights and gain a deeper understanding of market dynamics.
Dinghy
Dinghy caters to the changing insurance needs of freelancers and businesses with its innovative pay-as-you-go model and focus on online and mobile accessibility.
This focus on accessibility is further enhanced through its partnership with ARAG, providing ‘Freelance Assist’. This is a unique package combining Dinghy’s flexible insurance with ARAG’s online legal resources tailored for freelance professionals.
CoVi Analytics
CoVi Analytics tackles both regulatory compliance and operational efficiency for insurers. Its AI-powered CORE platform automates complex reporting for evolving regulations, while the app suite featuring Policy 2.0 simplifies risk incident capture and boosts operational efficiency.
ManyPets
ManyPets, formerly known as Bought By Many, has emerged as a leading pet insurance provider by taking a unique approach to customer needs.
Born from a focus on analysing social media commentary, ManyPets uses customer feedback to shape its insurance policies. This customer-centric approach extends to its technology focus, making ManyPets the first pet insurance company to offer form-free online claims.
Shift Technology
Shift Technology provides a suite of AI-powered Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions specifically designed to address the insurance industry’s needs. Its focus lies in fraud detection, empowering insurers with robust protection against financial losses, reputational damage, and cyber threats.
Key Factors for InsurTech Success
Several key factors have fuelled the recent surge in InsurTech innovation. Digitisation plays a crucial role by speeding up information processing, leading to cost reductions, efficiency gains, and the development of new, customer-centric products.
Additionally, personalisation is another key factor, enabling insurers to tailor services to individual needs and preferences. They consider factors like age, location, and lifestyle before providing quotes. Finally, advanced analytics capabilities provide valuable insights into consumer behaviour, allowing insurers to better target customers, while also offering real-time risk assessment data.
McKinsey & Co. is seeing an increase in the number of clients seeking artificial intelligence-linked projects, reports Bloomberg. Faster adoption…
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McKinsey & Co. is seeing an increase in the number of clients seeking artificial intelligence-linked projects, reports Bloomberg. Faster adoption of the technology is helping the consulting titan and its peers boost revenue, across industries like Insurtech, following a period of tumult.
About 40 per cent of the New York-based firm’s client projects involve the technology. The number of AI-related customers in the past 12 months is approaching 500, Rodney Zemmel, senior partner and head of the firm’s digital business, said in an interview.
“We believe the long- or the medium-term economic implications are very real,” Zemmel said. He was a final candidate in the recent global managing partner leadership elections at the firm. According to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information.
Though there’s some degree of hype around AI, “we’re seeing the organisations that are doing that are getting value from it,” Zemmel said. “It’ll be a little longer, and maybe, a little harder than people think, but we’ve got no doubt that the value is there,” he added.
AI adoption across Insurtech
Among those deploying automation rapidly are the traditional and regulated industries such as banking and insurance, Zemmel said. In a June report, Citigroup Inc. said AI is poised to upend consumer finance and make workers more productive. Additionally, with a high potential for 54 per cent of jobs across banking to be automated. Citi also said that the technology could add $170 billion to the industry’s coffers by 2028.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon has called AI “critical” to his company’s future success. He also noted the technology can be used to help the firm develop new products, drive customer engagement, improve productivity and enhance risk management.
The surge in automation has come as a relief for the broader consulting industry. It has been battling a slowdown in demand for its traditional services. McKinsey, Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers have been cutting jobs to weather the slump. Furthermore, Accenture Plc shares tumbled in March after the company warned it’s seen financial-services customers, including Insurtech, rein in spending on its software.
AI’s rise is also diverting some budgets toward specialist consultancies. Although AI-focused units like McKinsey’s QuantumBlack are growing rapidly, according to Zemmel.
McKinsey – QuantumBlack
McKinsey, which has advised everyone from the U.S.’ Pentagon to China’s Ping An Insurance Group Co., currently has about 2,000 people working across QuantumBlack. It has 7,000 staff in total in tech-related fields, according to Zemmel’s estimates. McKinsey’s headcount stood at about 45,000 globally as of 2023 and revenues were at a record $16 billion.
Zemmel said that the firm is still evaluating how the use of AI will impact its own headcount over the longer run. McKinsey had earlier warned about 3,000 of its consultants that their performance was unsatisfactory and will need to improve.
“We’re certainly planning on being agile about it,” Zemmel said. “One thing that’s clear is everybody in our organization’s going to need to know how to use AI and incorporate in their day-to-day work if they’re going to remain relevant to their clients.”
The insurance sector is witnessing a growing adoption of digital insurance solutions. Machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and embedded…
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The insurance sector is witnessing a growing adoption of digital insurance solutions. Machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and embedded insurance are at the forefront of this wave across InsurTech.
According toAcumen Research and Consulting, the InsurTech market is expected to reach $166.4 billion by 2030. This projection is reinforced by a high compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.1 percent anticipated between 2022 and 2030. This growth is attributed to a surge of insurance technology innovations.
Introduction to InsurTech
InsurTech, short for “insurance technology,” combines traditional insurance practices with cutting-edge advancements in AI and blockchain. It plays a key role in transforming the insurance industry by making it more efficient, transparent, and accessible. Furthermore, automation, improved risk assessment, and tailored coverage options ensure the digital insurance industry meets evolving consumer demands.
Digital Transformation
InsurTech is a driving force behind the digital transformation of the insurance industry. This transformation isn’t just about software upgrades or automation. It’s a strategic shift that revamps core operations and how insurers deliver value to customers.
Today’s consumers demand personalisation, speed, and convenience in everything, including insurance. They expect instant access to policy details and quick claims resolution—areas where traditional systems struggle. InsurTech empowers insurers to meet these changing demands by enabling customised interactions and faster service.
Customer Experience
InsurTech companies are transforming customer interactions with insurance. Convenience, speed, and personalisation are now priorities.
This change is driven by a focus on improved customer experience. Digital platforms and mobile apps from InsurTech firms make buying policies, managing them, and filing claims easier. Self-service tools and chatbots provide instant support and assistance, reducing the need for traditional customer service channels.
Efficiency gains with InsurTech
A crucial element of InsurTech’s contribution to the insurance industry lies in claims management. InsurTech streamlines insurance claims by automating tasks with AI and ML. This means faster claim assessments, processing, and payouts for policyholders.
InsurTech also boosts efficiency for insurers by automating tasks, which can lead to lower operating costs. These lower costs could potentially translate to reduced premiums for consumers. Consequently, digital insurance becomes more accessible and cost-effective.
Case Studies
Several insurance companies are demonstrating success through innovative InsurTech solutions.Chapter, for instance, uses online tools to connect users with advisors and advocates. These experts help people navigate the complexities of enrollment. They ensure people understand their options, deadlines, and how to choose the right plan for their needs.
Health plan selection is another area where InsurTech is making a difference.GoHealth utilises a sophisticated platform powered by ML algorithms to match consumers with plans tailored to their unique needs. Licensed agents and dedicated telecare teams offer support throughout the selection process and beyond.
Future Prospects
InsurTech presents a future brimming with possibilities for the insurance industry. However, as more processes become digital, security concerns come into focus. Future Processing’s InsurTech survey revealed that81 percent of respondents believe insurers need stronger cybersecurity policies.
This underlines the need to revisit cybersecurity practices as digital transformation progresses. Looking forward, developments in AI and tools like ChatGPT, along with data privacy concerns, suggest quality will be the foundation of InsurTech’s future. By focusing on high-quality data and strong security, insurers can gain deeper customer insights and significantly improve the customer experience.
A closer look at how artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, IoT, and more technologies are transforming the InsurTech space.
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Customer expectations are changing fast. Great digital experiences set the standard, no matter the industry. This means insurance companies are no longer competing only with each other, but with every positive digital experience customers encounter daily.
Technology is changing how the InsurTech space serves its customers
Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing revolutionise insurance. Outdated systems are being replaced with modern solutions, which offer greater efficiency, security, and data-driven insights.
This digital transformation enables a new generation of insurance services. For example, automated claims processing uses AI to speed up workflows and payouts. Additionally, AI helps detect fraud to protect both insurers and policyholders.
Insurance technology is also improving the customer experience. From personalised plans to user-friendly interfaces, digitalisation is making insurance more accessible and convenient.
AI and Machine Learning
People want more personalised experiences with insurance products and services. InsurTech advances, powered by AI and machine learning (ML), can help insurers meet this demand.
ML algorithms analyse massive amounts of customer data, including behaviour and habits. This allows insurers to tailor insurance products and services to individual needs and create unique customer journeys.
Beyond personalisation, AI has the potential to streamline core insurance processes. AI can speed up claim processing and streamline underwriting. Faster data access and reduced human error lead to more accurate and efficient reporting.
A report by McKinsey suggests that AI could significantly change the insurance industry. It could shift the focus from reacting to problems to preventing them. This proactive approach would benefit everyone involved—brokers, consumers, and insurers.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology offers a powerful solution for data security. It stores vital insurance information, such as claims and payments, in secure blocks on a shared ledger. Any attempt to alter this data would change the entire chain and make tampering easily detectable.
A study by Boston Consulting Group shows 60 percent of insurance companies are actively investing in blockchain. Additionally, 80 percent of C-suite executives in these companies believe blockchain has the potential to significantly improve efficiency.
IoT and Telematics
Many consumers are now willing to share personal data for lower insurance costs. This willingness unlocks the potential of the IoT in the insurance industry.
IoT automates data collection from various sources, like smart home devices, car sensors, and wearables. This data becomes a key source of real-world information for insurance technology. By analysing it, insurers can improve risk assessment accuracy and refine pricing based on individual behaviour.
Telematics devices take personalised insurance a step further, particularly in car insurance. These devices, equipped with GPS and motion sensors, track driving habits in real time. They collect data on speed, location, time of day, and other factors linked to accident claims. This comprehensive data allows insurers to create even more tailored insurance policies.
Case Studies
Several insurance companies are already using InsurTech advances to streamline processes and improve risk assessment.
For example, FRISS uses AI software to quickly detect suspicious claims. Their system analyses data to find possible fraud networks and hidden patterns. With this, FRISS cuts claims handling time by 66 percent and saves insurers money.
Chubb Insurance is another example that shows the value of combining IoT devices with data analysis tools. By constantly monitoring environmental factors with sensors, Chubb can predict potential property damage. This proactive approach lets them offer personalised premiums based on risk profiles, ultimately helping policyholders avoid expensive incidents.
Future Prospects
Grand View Research projects the global InsurTech market size to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 52.7 percent from 2023 to 2030. This rapid transformation will be driven by advancements in various technologies, each presenting both opportunities and challenges.
As more insurance processes become digitalised, concerns around cybersecurity naturally rise. A Future Processing survey underscores this concern, revealing that 81 percent of respondents believe insurers need stronger cybersecurity policies.
The quality of data and security practices will be the cornerstones of successful InsurTech implementation. AI relies heavily on data, while strong security protects sensitive customer information. By prioritising these aspects, insurers can unlock deeper customer understanding and improve the customer experience.
An efficient and timely claims process is important in the insurance sector. Many companies use insurance technology or InsurTech innovations…
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An efficient and timely claims process is important in the insurance sector. Many companies use insurance technology or InsurTech innovations to streamline this complex process.
The traditional insurance claim process is commonly stressful, lengthy, and vulnerable to fraud. However, by embracing digital innovations, such as AI, big data analysis, and machine learning, insurance companies can simplify this process and give a more positive customer experience.
Role of InsurTech
InsurTech solutions streamline claims processes by using user-friendly mobile apps or websites. Customers do not need to make cumbersome phone calls, paperwork, or office visits. Instead, claims can be initiated and managed seamlessly through the digital platforms.
InsurTech accelerates the claims process, reduces turnaround time, and minimises customers’ stress. It also provides an opportunity for immediate insurance claim submission, such as after a car accident.
Automation
Digital insurance employs advanced technology like AI and automation, unlocking many benefits for customers’ claim processes. Reporting automation tools play an important role in claims processing by simplifying and accelerating the process.
An automated system can be applied for data entry and extraction. AI algorithms can scan and extract document details from police or medical reports and automatically fill out digital claim forms.
Meanwhile, automated chatbots allow customers to access around-the-clock services. Policyholders can ask questions, report claims, and get information more conveniently using this feature rather than relying on office time-bound human employees.
Fraud Detection
InsurTech enhances fraud detection in claims processing by using predictive analytics tools. Fraud detection is important for insurance providers to avoid false claims or exaggerated losses that can lead to significant financial losses.
AI machine learning tools can detect suspicious patterns from a vast amount of data, allowing insurers to identify potential fraud. This helps insurance companies reduce losses from fraud and mitigate potential risks.
InsurTech Case Studies
PwC reveals that 57 percent of insurance companies have invested in AI and machine learning technologies to enhance operational efficiencies.
Lemonade, a digital insurance company for renters and insurance, has successfully used AI to underwrite policies and claims. The company achieved a faster and more transparent claim process for customers. The digital automated process also reduces the processing time and keeps costs down.
Meanwhile, Metromile, an InsurTech company that provides pay-per-mile car insurance, offers AI-assisted automated claims named AVA. AVA can give guidance through damage photo collection and verify coverage. This system can also connect customers to repair shops and offer the option of reserving a vehicle if they have rental coverage.
Future Prospects
InsurTech’s potential impact on claims processing is expected to make a significant shift in the future. AI will be more integrated into the financial industry and will reshape the claim processes.
According to McKinsey’s prediction, claims processing will be largely automated by 2030, with advanced algorithms handling initial routing. IoT sensors and emerging technologies like drones will replace traditional methods for reporting claims. Policyholders will also use video streaming for damage assessments that AI can immediately assess to detect fraudulent activities.
Automated customer chatbots will manage most interactions, while human involvement will only be for complex claims and risk management. Integrated IoT and data aggregation will allow insurers to file accurate claims rapidly during major disasters.
Fueled by the Covid-19 pandemic and a projected market size of $166.4 billion by 2030, InsurTech companies are revolutionising the insurance industry.
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These firms offer digital alternatives in a typically slow-to-change industry. However, their innovative solutions have empowered traditional insurers to accelerate digitalisation and streamline processes.
These are the leading firms that have helped this traditional field adapt. Furthermore, it is rapidly catching up to efficiency trends associated with more famously dynamic industries.
Introduction to InsurTech innovation
The insurance industry is undergoing a transformative shift fuelled by InsurTech.
Innovating technologies for insurers is about finding novel solutions to longstanding challenges and harnessing emerging trends to shape the future of the industry.
Insurance leaders are almost unanimous in recognising that innovation as not just important, but critical to future success. Insurers who fail to embrace InsurTech advances and the wave of digital insurance products and opportunities they represent risk falling behind.
Moreover, in an increasingly competitive and dynamic industry, falling behind would be a disaster for any business.
1. Oscar Health
Oscar Health built itself from the ground up with a tech-first approach focused on member service. This unique strategy aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Americans.
Oscar’s commitment to exceptional service is reflected in its sky-high Net Promoter Score of 50 and a near-perfect 97% member satisfaction rate for virtual care. Also, with a presence in over 577 counties across 20 states, Oscar Health’s impact on the industry is undeniable.
2. NEXT Insurance
A leader in small business insurance, NEXT Insurance offers easy-to-understand, digital coverage designed specifically for the self-employed. Their recently launched Copilot tool empowers agents to serve micro-businesses efficiently. Copilot streamlines the process for both sides: business owners can get quotes and bind coverage online instantly, while agents gain a simplified workflow to boost revenue.
3. Vouch
Since 2018, Vouch has emerged as a prominent force in the InsurTech space by transforming the way business insurance serves high-growth companies. Additionally, Vouch recently launched AI Insurance, a groundbreaking product specifically designed to mitigate risks for AI startups in this rapidly developing field.
4. Hippo
Hippo stands out for its proactive approach to homeowners insurance. Partnering with homeowners to implement smart home devices and personalised safety recommendations, Hippo prioritises preventing hazards before they occur. Furthermore, this commitment has secured their position as a top InsurTech firm, protecting over 200,000 homes across most US states.
5. Bestow
Bestow prioritises simplifying insurance and boosting financial security for everyone. They believe the process shouldn’t be daunting, so they leverage cutting-edge technology and data throughout the entire value chain to streamline everything. Their commitment to innovation is evident in their recent launch of permanent life insurance and the addition of AI features to their underwriting workbench.
6. QuanTemplate
Founded in 2011, QuanTemplate uses machine learning and big data to empower businesses through digital transformation. Their core offering, a data integration, automation, and analytics platform, equips insurance professionals with the tools to unlock valuable insights and gain a deeper understanding of market dynamics.
7. Dinghy
Dinghy caters to the changing insurance needs of freelancers and businesses with its innovative pay-as-you-go model and focus on online and mobile accessibility.
This focus on accessibility is further enhanced through their partnership with ARAG, providing “Freelance Assist.” This is a unique package combining Dinghy’s flexible insurance with ARAG’s online legal resources tailored for freelance professionals.
8. CoVi Analytics
CoVi Analytics tackles both regulatory compliance and operational efficiency for insurers. Their AI-powered CORE platform automates complex reporting for evolving regulations, while the app suite featuring Policy 2.0 simplifies risk incident capture and boosts operational efficiency.
9. ManyPets
ManyPets, formerly known as Bought By Many, has emerged as a leading pet insurance provider by taking a unique approach to customer needs.
Born from a focus on analysing social media commentary, ManyPets uses customer feedback to shape its insurance policies. This customer-centric approach extends to its technology focus, making ManyPets the first pet insurance company to offer form-free online claims.
10. Shift Technology
Shift Technology provides a suite of AI-powered Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions specifically designed to address the insurance industry’s needs. Their focus lies in fraud detection, empowering insurers with robust protection against financial losses, reputational damage, and cyber threats.
Key factors for InsurTech success
Several key factors have fuelled the recent surge in InsurTech innovation. Digitisation plays a crucial role by speeding up information processing, leading to cost reductions, efficiency gains, and the development of new, customer-centric products.
Personalisation is another key factor, enabling insurers to tailor services to individual needs and preferences by considering factors like age, location, and lifestyle before providing quotes. Finally, advanced analytics capabilities provide valuable insights into consumer behaviour, allowing insurers to better target customers, while also offering real-time risk assessment data.
InsurTech is an emerging sector of huge importance. It transforms an old and crucial industry by creating insurance technology that brings major tech advances to enable widespread change.
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The top InsurTech companies aim to revolutionise the industry with a rapidly evolving and advancing series of insurance technologies. All of these seek to make insurance more accessible and customer-centric. This improves insurance products and creates opportunities for new ones.
By adopting a mobile-first approach, InsurTech reduces the need for face-to-face interactions. This means lower operational costs, allowing InsurTech startups to offer more competitive pricing models.
The InsurTech landscape owes its growth to startups. These early-stage companies disrupt the insurance sector by bringing new tools to the game. These include AI, which can handle traditionally resource-exhausting and time-consuming tasks, such as determining the right policies to offer customers.
According to a report by Spherical Insights, the InsurTech market was valued at $3.85 billion in 2021. Based on a CAGR of 52 percent, Spherical forecasts that it will grow to $166.7 billion by 2030. This growth is mainly fuelled by Insurtech startups. Read on to discover the top Insurtech companies to watch in 2024, as they make strides forward into a period of accelerating growth.
According to a report by Spherical Insights, the InsurTech market was valued at $3.85 billion in 2021. Based on a CAGR of 52 percent, Spherical forecasts that it will grow to $166.7 billion by 2030. This growth is mainly fuelled by Insurtech startups.
Read on to discover the top Insurtech companies to watch in 2024, as they make strides forward into a period of accelerating growth.
1. Lemonade
Lemonade brands itself as “an insurance company built for the 21st century.” With Maya, its cutting-edge AI tool, Lemonade can “craft the perfect insurance” coverage in as little as 90 seconds. The AI also contributes to the seamlessness of the insurance claims process, with customers needing to wait only three minutes after claim submission to get paid.
In November 2023, Lemonade was serving2 million active customers. It ticked the first million mark in 2020. Throughout the period, the premium per customer increased by 70 percent.
InQ1 2024, the average premium per customer was $379, an eight percent increase year on year. The in-force premium was $749. The figure represents a 22 percent increase year-on-year and corresponds to total revenue growth of 25 percent.
2. NEXT Insurance
Next Insurance caters to small businesses, offering products such as workers’ compensation and equipment insurance. The company provides coverage for diverse professions, from contractors to entertainers.
Next has developed an AI tool called Copilot, not to be confused with Microsoft’s AI with the same name. The tool allows insurance agents to increase operational efficiency and profitability by streamlining the quoting and binding process. It also helps reduce underwriting delays.
Established in 2016, Next was serving500,000 active customers in 2023, an increase from 420,000 in 2022. It has received $1.1 billion in funding from big-name investors such as Munich Re, Allstate, and Allianz X. Per November 2023, the company has a market valuation of $2.5 billion.
3. Oscar
The Oscar Health team provides digital-based health insurance. The company offers services for individuals and families. Through its app, customers can access remote health care anywhere, anytime. Established in 2012, Oscar has over1.4 million customers across 20 states of the US.
4. Metromile
Metromile revolutionises automobile insurance with its premium-per-mile scheme. Premium rates are based on driving habits, which is claimed to allow customers to save around 47 percent, or $947 per year, compared to traditional car insurance.
Metromile wasacquired by Lemonade in 2022 for $145 million worth of LMND shares. In return, Lemonade took control of “over $155 million in cash, over $110 million in car premiums, an insurance entity with 49 state licenses, and precision data from 500 million car trips.”
5. Asurion
Asurion specialises in technology care. This InsurTech company provides electronic equipment coverage, catering to owners of smartphones, laptops, TVs, and smart home appliances. By using its services, customers gain access to quick repairs of only 45 minutes for their electronics through local repair experts and tech repair stores across the US.
6. Zego
Zego offers smart and flexible insurance coverage for self-employed drivers and fleets. A wide selection of insurance products is available to meet the needs of private taxi companies, haulage truck drivers, and courier vans. Zego became theUK’s first InsurTech unicorn in 2021 after raising $150 million, bringing its valuation to $1.1 billion.
7. Hippo Insurance
Hippo Insurance combines home insurance with smart home devices. The company provides customers with smart home monitoring systems to detect potential issues. These include leak sensors, motion detectors, and smart smoke alarms. In 2024, Hippo provides coverage for 200 US households.
8. Pie Insurance
Pie Insurance caters to small businesses. This InsurTech startup uses advanced analytics tools to determine the best premiums, considering comprehensive possible risks. The company aims to make insurance affordable and accessible to small businesses in the US.
9. Clearcover
Clearcover uses AI technology to speed the claims process up to just seven minutes. The startup has raised a total of$515 million over nine financing rounds. Its latest funding round was in April 2024, when it raised $55 million in a second Series E. The investment round was led by Omers Venture, with several undisclosed investors participating.
10. Shift Technology
Shift Technology is a claims fraud detection platform that uses AI to detect fake claims in real time. This InsurTech platform also detects underwriting risks and improper payments. Its financial crime detection feature ensures compliance with AML and KYC regulations. Shift’s technology speeds up the decision-making process, allowing insurance companies to operate with greater efficiency. With a market capitalisation of $2.89 million per June 2024, the company has raised $316 million since its inception in 2014, raising $219 million in its latest Series D.
These top InsurTech companies are disrupting the market with advanced technologies such as AI tools. With their capabilities to streamline user experience, lower costs, and improve decision-making processes, these InsurTech startups will continue to challenge legacy insurance companies.
InsurTech, short for insurance technology, is transforming insurance accessibility and efficiency.
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Global adoption benefits all stakeholders – from brokers to policyholders, underwriters, and customers.
Gallagher, one of the world’s largest insurance brokers, puts the amount invested into InsurTech globally at $55 billion. Global InsurTech funding dipped below $1 billion in Q1 2024, but early-stage funding grew 26.5 percent quarter on quarter, despite a widespread funding slowdown.
This suggests insurers are starting to favour more sustainable investment strategies and are planning for the long term – banking on visions that will bring rewards some years down the line.
Gallagher, one of the world’s largest insurance brokers, puts the amount invested into InsurTech globally at $55 billion. Global InsurTech funding dipped below $1 billion in Q1 2024, but early-stage funding grew 26.5 percent quarter on quarter, despite a widespread funding slowdown.
This suggests insurers are starting to favour more sustainable investment strategies and are planning for the long term – banking on visions that will bring rewards some years down the line.
There are some common themes – more than 85 percent of insurers want to grow customer experience initiatives and the industry is shifting towards customer-centric strategies. This is a reflection of consumer demand, but importantly it signals that insurers are approaching innovations with confidence in widespread and long-term viability as a core part of business strategy.
These are the top innovations drawing their attention:
AI in underwriting
Traditionally, underwriting is full of time-consuming manual work. When left to AI, it can process data such as claim history, social media content, and market conditions to produce more accurate decisions.
Goldman Sachs’ 2024 Global Insurance Survey found 29 percent of insurers use AI, with 51 percent planning to implement AI technologies. Insurers see AI as having a broad range of uses: 73 percent think it will reduce operational costs and 39 percent are considering using AI for underwriting insurance risk.
Lemonade and Allianz, for example, use AI algorithms to assess risks and approve policies.
Blockchain technology forms a distributed database system. This means offers a secure and transparent way to verify documents and transactions. Each transaction is recorded in blocks connected in an unalterable chain that guarantees data integrity. The data is what it is, and that certainty underpins verification.
This technology can improve trust between insurers and insured parties by providing transparency in the claims process. Etherisc, a blockchain-based insurance platform, and AXA’s Fizzy are among companies using this technology to automate flight delay claims.
Telematics in auto insurance
Telematics combines telecommunications, computer science, and electrical engineering to monitor and collect data on driving behaviours. It enables insurance based on how an individual actually drives.
Insurance thought leaders forecast the insurance telematics market will grow from $5 billion in 2023 to $11 billion by 2028. A strong sign of early growth in what could be a transformational change in insurance.
In auto insurance, telematics devices or apps installed in vehicles gather real-time data on how a person drives. This benefits both insurers and policyholders by encouraging safer driving, and it reduces the frequency and severity of claims. In the US, Allstate’s Drivewise and Progressive’s Snapshot are examples of telematic programs that offer discounts based on safe driving habits.
Digital platforms and IoT in health insurance
While digital platforms simplify processes in health insurance, the Internet of Things (IoT) enables remote patient monitoring through wearable devices and smart gadgets.
These devices collect real-time health data, which insurers can use to assess risks more accurately. As a result, offered health plans are often more personalised. IoT also improves preventive care by alerting users to potential health issues early on. This feature can help reduce the overall cost of healthcare and insurance claims.
IoT use in health insurance is a growing trend, with more insurers integrating IoT tech into their services.
Greentech for InsurTech
Interest in sustainable InsurTech investments remains strong, particularly in EMEA and Asia. ESG is a primary consideration for a third of EMEA insurers and 13 percent of Asia insurers.
Mercer and Oliver Wyman’s 2024 Global Insurance Survey found 70 percent of insurers already incorporating sustainability into their investment decisions plan to increase the money they put into sustainable investments over the next 12 months.
AXA Climate, for example, focuses on providing climate risk solutions with sustainable insurance products it says help businesses transition to a low-carbon economy.
Community-based Models
Peer-to-peer (P2P) insurance allows individuals to pool resources to share risk. Claims are paid from the pooled funds, and any remaining funds can be returned to the group or rolled over to the next period.
P2P insurance is more collaborative and cost-effective compared to traditional insurance models. Friendsurance, for instance, is a P2P platform for minor claims that lets unused funds be refunded by the end of the year.
AR for property inspection
Augmented Reality (AR) can be used for remote property inspections. Insurers can guide policyholders through the inspection process using AR to capture images and videos.
Hippo Insurance and Liberty Mutuals are among the companies that guide homeowners through self-inspections for the underwriting process. This InsurTech approach reduces the need for in-person visits, which may end up speeding admin and keeping customers happy.
The future for InsurTech
There are many bullish viewpoints on InsurTech in the public domain, and the big players are already leading the way. They clear a path for the rest of the market to build on these successes and learn from the challenges they can push through.
Key technologies such as cloud, connectivity, and AI will continue to expand their influence on the industry. The behaviour of the market in early 2024 suggests that the combination of advancing tech and early forays by big insurers has created a field ripe for innovations to take hold.
InsurTech has rapidly evolved over the past decade, transforming insurance by bringing technological innovations to a very traditional industry.
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Initially, InsurTech emerged with startups using digital platforms and data analytics to streamline insurance processes, enhance customer experience, and offer more personalised insurance products.
These companies introduced digital distribution channels, like mobile apps and online platforms. This made it easier for customers to purchase and manage insurance policies. Furthermore, as InsurTech grew, AI and machine learning began playing pivotal roles in underwriting, claims processing, and risk assessment, improving accuracy and efficiency. Firms even started experimenting with blockchain tech to support transparent and secure transactions.
Today, InsurTech continues to evolve, with a focus on data-driven insights, IoT integration for real-time risk monitoring, and partnerships with traditional insurers to drive innovation across the industry.
1. AI in underwriting and claims Machine Learning
As we move into the new decade, Insurtech is advancing rapidly, driven by innovations that are reshaping the insurance landscape. Artificial Intelligence is key to shaping this landscape.
AI offers sophisticated data analysis to improve how risks are assessed and insurance products are priced. It can perform these tasks at scale and find new indicators to improve pricing and risk judgements through analysis of datasets and within its own actions at scale.
Applying AI models to insurers’ vast troves of data transforms the insights and action they can derive from them.
2. Machine Learning for Insurtech
The turbo-engine of AI, Machine Learning gives insurers the ability to find AI solutions with computing power.
ML performs calculations at scale specifically to identify patterns and trends, which can then be absorbed by its learning models.
This and AI in general, improves accuracy but also allows insurers to respond more effectively to market changes, benefiting both insurers and policyholders alike.
3. Blockchain for transparency
Blockchain technology is another transformative force, introducing the cutting-edge transparency and security it offers into digital insurance transactions.
By using smart contracts, blockchain tech automates claims processing, reducing admin, and speeding up settlement times – benefiting both the insurer and the beneficiary. This shift minimizes paperwork and enhances trust within the insurance ecosystem, marking a significant departure from traditional practices and the customer relationship environment.
4. Telematics and IoT
The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is revolutionising insurance by providing real-time data on insured assets.
This data fuels personalised policies and enables dynamic risk assessments based on up-to-date information. For instance, wearable devices and sensors can track health metrics or monitor vehicle usage, allowing insurers to tailor premiums and services to individual behaviors and needs.
5. Big Data
Big Data analytics plays a crucial role by analyzing vast amounts of customer data to uncover insights that enable personalised insurance offerings.
This data-driven approach improves risk assessment and customer experiences by anticipating their needs and preferences. Insurers can proactively offer relevant products and services, fostering stronger customer relationships and loyalty.
6. Chatbots
Digital tools like chatbots are transforming customer interactions in Insurtech. These AI-driven solutions provide instant support, streamline policy management, and offer great user experiences.
Customers can easily file claims, get answers to questions, and manage their policies through intuitive mobile apps, enhancing convenience and satisfaction. Great chatbots, for instance, can also satisfy customer queries while reducing the burden on members of the customer service team – meaning they can do an even better job when customers have to go to them.
7. Virtual Assistants
The use of virtual assistants is growing alongside the increased availability of technology to support online chat functions.
Chatroom digital infrastructure is becoming commonplace. Additionally, this allows agents and teams of agents to manage client discussions within a website or application chatbox. This is far more efficient than dealing with customers on calls, as it lends itself to guided discussions with prompts, encourages concise responses, and can now support authentication measures and simple record-keeping.
Agents can also manage multiple chats at the same time, while customers can go about their daily tasks while keeping the chat open.
8. UBI and on-demand insurance
Usage-based Insurance (UBI) and on-demand insurance are gaining popularity for their flexibility and affordability.
UBI uses telematics and IoT data to offer personalised premiums based on actual usage patterns, like driving behaviour. On-demand insurance lets customers buy coverage for specific events or activities, catering to modern preferences for flexibility and customisation of services.
9. RPA
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is finding traction in insurance. RPA automates repetitive tasks in company operations, reducing costs, and improving efficiency.
Moreover, by handling data entry, claims processing, and other routine functions, RPA frees up human resources to focus on more strategic decisions and customer-focused work. The nature of the automation also guarantees that the action will conform to standards
10. AR/VR
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are emerging technologies with many applications in insurance.
These range from virtual property inspections to immersive agent training. Tech like this helps improve risk assessment accuracy, streamline claims processing, and improve customer engagement through interactive experiences.
What Insurtech trends means for insurance
Insurtech is supporting a shift towards more efficient, responsive, and customer-centric insurance services. By embracing these technologies, insurers are able to improve industry fundamentals like operational efficiency, risk reduction, and customer experience while engaging with the most vibrant parts of the emerging tech landscape.
These changes mean insurance will both participate in the technological revolution but also find such large efficiency gains that it grows into a dynamism that was not possible before.
Insurance Technology, known as InsurTech, represents a groundbreaking advancement in the fintech sector.
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Historically perceived as resistant to change, the insurance industry has been criticised for its cumbersome and time-consuming processes. However, the emergence of InsurTech marks a pivotal transformation within the industry.
At its core, insurance offers peace of mind — protection against life’s uncertainties like floods and accidents. In exchange, policyholders pay premiums regularly.
In recent years, InsurTech has experienced significant growth and gained popularity among financial customers. The global insurtech market soared to $5.45 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand by 52.7% from 2023 to 2030.
Its popularity is justified by its benefits that can provide a better customer experience. It offers digital solutions to streamline processes such as filing claims and managing policies.
Streamlining insurance access and policy management
InsurTech offers great benefits for customers. It allows them to access products directly through digital platforms and choose a relatively affordable insurance package online.
The digital platforms used in InsurTech also simplify policy management for customers. These platforms consolidate multiple policies into one accessible location, allowing customers to view, update, and renew policies effortlessly.
Furthermore, integration with fintech components through e-commerce platforms can give customers additional benefits like bundled discounts or simplified payment options.
The automated renewal reminders help customers make timely renewals and avoid the risk of coverage gaps. The platform also makes it possible for real-time access to policy documents, which is very convenient in urgent situations like accidents.
Leveraging AI in InsurTech
InsurTech also uses AI and data analysis technology to understand customer needs and offer more personalised policies. Insurance companies in the past struggled to accurately assess customers’ risks and preferences due to their reliance on historical data and basic demographics.
However, AI algorithms offer a more efficient way to do the task. With AI, insurers can do the assessment efficiently and offer customised policies with appropriate coverage and pricing. This is possible due to AI’s capability to analyse extensive data from diverse sources like social media, IoT devices, and public records.
The AI tech can detect anomalous patterns that indicate fraudulent activities. As fraudulent claims are a big concern for insurance providers, this feature can help detect and prevent scams.
InsurTech also simplifies and speeds up the claims process by assisting customers and streamlining it. Customers can now submit claims digitally instead of the time-consuming manual process.
Advanced optical character recognition (OCR) and natural language processing (NLP) technologies used by InsurTech can help extract relevant data from claim documents automatically. Meanwhile, AI algorithms can analyse claim data to assess its validity.
For further customer service, the use of chatbots and virtual assistance has more benefits than traditional customer service support. The automated customer service can be available at any time and is capable of providing support outside business hours. Customers can get instant responses as these virtual assistants can handle multiple queries without delays.
Future trends
AI technology is a pervasive trend across the fintech landscape and predicted to grow even bigger in the future. More products that people use daily will integrate AI tech into their systems.
One of the main uses of AI in InsurTech is the customer service bots. While current AI-powered chatbots can handle complex queries, automated customer service features still have limitations.
Nevertheless, there will be a greater focus on enhancing customer engagement through interactive tools in the future. The improved AI tool is expected to understand natural language, interpret intent, and provide updated relevant information or escalate issues to human assistants when necessary.
The improved use of AI is not only limited to customer service but also other areas such as marketing, personalisation and fraud detection. For instance, AI tech can help insurers to target customers more efficiently by identifying behavioural patterns.
The rising concern on environmental and social issues makes it possible for more sustainable and socially aware digital insurance products in the future. For example, products that incentivise sustainable behaviours or provide coverage for climate-related risks. With this, the customers will feel an added sense of satisfaction with their purchase.
Our cover story this month focuses on the work of Arianne Gallagher-Welcher. As the Executive Director for the USDA Digital…
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Our cover story this month focuses on the work of Arianne Gallagher-Welcher. As the Executive Director for the USDA Digital Service, in the Office of the OCIO, her team’s mission is to drive a tech transformation at the USDA. The goal is to better serve the American people across all of its 50 states.
Welcome to the latest issue of Interface magazine!
Welcome to a new year of possibility where technology meets business at the interface of change…
“We knew that in order for us to deliver what we needed for our stakeholders, we needed to be flexible – and that has trickled down from our senior leaders.” Arianne Gallagher-Welcher, Executive Director for the USDA Digital Service reveals the strategic plan’s first goal. Above all, the aim is to deliver customer-centric IT so farmers, producers, and families can find dealing with USDA as easy as using an ATM.
BCX: Delivering insights & intelligence across the Data & AI value chain
We also sat down with Stefan Steffen,Executive Leader for Data Insights & Intelligence at BCX. He revealed how BCX is leveraging AI to strategically transform businesses and drive their growth. “Our commitment to leveraging data and AI to drive innovation harnesses the power of technology to unlock new opportunities, drive efficiency, and enhance competitiveness for our clients.”
Momentum Multiply: A culture-driven digital transformation for wellness
Multiply Inspire & Engage is a new offering from leading South African insurance provider Momentum Health Solutions. Furthermore, it is the first digital wellness rewards program in South Africa to balance mental health and physical health in pursuing holistic wellness. CIO, Ndibulele Mqoboli, discusses re-platforming, cloud migrations, and building a culture of ownership, responsibility, and continuous improvement.
Clark County: Creating collaboration for the benefit of residents
Navigating the world of local government can be a minefield of red tape, both for citizens and those working within it. Al Pitts, Deputy CIO of Clark County, talks to us about the organisation’s IT transformation. He explains why collaboration is key to support residents. “We have found our new Clark County – ‘Together for Better’ – is a great way to collaborate on new solutions.”
Also in this issue, we hear from Alibaba’s European GM Jijay Shen on why digitalisation can be a driving force for SMEs. We learn how businesses can get cybersecurity right with KnowBe4 and analyse the rise of ‘The Mobility Society’.
Our final cover story for 2023 explores how Deputy CIO May Cheng is accelerating a digital customer and product-centric approach…
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Our final cover story for 2023 explores how Deputy CIO May Cheng is accelerating a digital customer and product-centric approach to IT management for the International Trade Administration (ITA).
Welcome to the latest issueof Interface magazine!
Interface showcases leaders at the forefront of innovation with digital technologies transforming myriad industries.
We connect once more with the tech trailblazers at the International Trade Administration. Deputy CIO May Cheng and her team areaccelerating adoption of ITA’s customer and product-centric approach to IT management. In addition, their focus is on Agile, DevSecOps, Value Proposition, and Human Centred Design. “In 2023, we launched 13 products, three MVPs and saw enhancements operationalised. Moreover, the digital model has enabled a partnership between business and IT. The result is clearer lines of shared responsibility, transparency in resources, and a continuous learning culture across the agency.”
Businessman touching data analytics process system with KPI financial charts, dashboard of stock and marketing on virtual interface. With American flag in background.
Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Trust: Digitally transforming patient care
The Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trustis centred on bringing tomorrow’s treatments to today’s patients with a clear mission to provide excellent, specialist care to patients suffering from heart and lung disease. We hear from Andrew Raynes who took up his role as CIO in 2017. He is overseeing a digital transformation program bringing value to staff and patients. “Using the global language of interoperability… we’ll see greater efficiency in terms of use of technology and sweating our assets. Furthermore, exploiting the benefits to support seamless care by allowing standards to do the heavy lifting.”
Toronto Community Housing: Supporting tenants with tech
Toronto Community Housing houses tenants in 106 of Toronto’s 158 neighbourhoods. It ensures over 43,000 low and moderate-income families are supported in their continuously managed homes. Luisa Andrews, VP Information Technology Services tells us it’s the best role she’s had in her career. “It’s the most challenging, and where I’ve seen the most progress in a short amount of time. I’m proud of my team and what we’ve accomplished in five years. We, and our partners, have enabled the corporation, through technology, to do what it needs to do for our tenants.”
Marshfield Clinic Health System:
Marshfield Clinic Health System provides care at over 50 locations across the US state of Wisconsin. Chief Data & Analytics Officer Mitchell Kwiatkowski explains its tech mantra to us: “We’re trying to toe that line while examining new technologies as they come out. We’re aiming to understand what they are, how they can help, and implementing things that are mature enough and show promise. I don’t think healthcare is necessarily risk-averse; it’s a highly regulated area that doesn’t always have deep pockets for investment. However, it’s people’s health at stake, so we have to be careful…”
Also in this issue, we get the lowdown on the tech trends for 2024 from Hitachi Vantara innovation guru Bjorn Andersson. We also hear from the WatchGuard Threat Lab research team with their cybersecurity predictions for the year ahead.
Ask Procurement—a generative AI procurement solution—is being developed for the market by IBM using Dun & Bradstreet’s “huge data cloud”.
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In order to develop more effective and market ready digital solutions for supply chain and procurement professionals, IBM is partnering with Dun & Bradstreet, a data-dealer with access to vast quantities of raw information gathered from a wide variety of sources, as well as cutting edge analytical tools. Together, the companies will work on expanding the capabilities of IBM’s watsonx to expand their use of generative artificial intelligence (AI).
Through the collaboration IBM and Dun & Bradstreet intend to develop multiple offerings for clients to incorporate into their AI workflows, leveraging IBM’s AI and data platform, and fueled by Dun & Bradstreets’.
Ask Procurement
The leading solution in development, according to an IBM press release, is Ask Procurement, a generative AI-powered procurement solution that will “help empower procurement professionals to unlock new data and insights with a 360-degree view into all aspects of a company’s business relationships to help increase savings, reduce time, and mitigate the potential for risk.”
Ask Procurement is expected to use Dun & Bradstreet’s platform, but feature watsonx supported models and other generative AI capabilities “fueled by Dun & Bradstreet’s vast Data Cloud.” The solution is expected to be available to procurement teams in the second half of 2024, integrated with Dun & Bradstreet solutions or an enterprises’ existing ERP or procurement solution.
“At Dun & Bradstreet, being a trusted data partner and a responsible AI partner to organisations are synonymous,” said Ginny Gomez, President, North America, Dun & Bradstreet. “As two trusted brands that bring nearly 300 years of combined experience to the businesses we serve, Dun & Bradstreet and IBM are ideally suited to help companies responsibly navigate the rapidly evolving generative AI space because we know their business environments and processes well. And with hundreds of thousands of organisations globally relying on us every day, we believe there is no better company than Dun & Bradstreet to lead the industry and our clients into the future.”
At DPW Amsterdam 2023, Sigbjørn Nome, CEO and Co-Founder at Ignite, discusses the importance of a people-first mindset in procurement.
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“It’s super important to get the right people in procurement.”
Sigbjørn Nome, CEO and Co-Founder at Ignite, is passionate about talent. The company is now armed with 60 employees and has become an organisation of choice for many graduates in Norway. According to Nome, building a positive environment that empowers staff holds the key to long-term success and growth in procurement.
“We’ve managed to get a good reputation in Norway and recruit top talent,” he tells us. “In the beginning, we used the best students and offered internships to help us build the first version of the product. Then we built a good relationship with the universities in Norway and we’ve also recruited lots of senior hires too. There’s a great combination of talent within Ignite.”
Ignite is an advanced yet simple spend management solution that gives customers the power of correct and holistic data, transparency, and actionable analytics to empower data-driven decision-making. This way, customers not only save money and avoid risk but also make smarter choices and drive value across their organisation. Ignite provides a one-stop shop to consolidate, clean, and enrich data, get advanced procurement analytics, conduct supplier assessments, as well as holistically managing suppliers and contracts and quickly and automatically estimating their Scope 3 CO2 footprint.
With a background in consulting, Nome worked on a variety of procurement transformation projects and has witnessed significant potential in the space. Having decided to form Ignite in 2016, the organisation began as a consulting firm but it was later decided to be delivered as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company. “As a consulting business, you are cashflow positive and you earn money from the get-go. While for a SaaS business, you need to invest a lot in product and productive development,” he tells us. “It is quite a challenging change. As a business owner, you also need to sell and be more out there to get customers. There’s been a lot of challenges and one of those has been building the team which I’m really proud of.”
Procurement’s evolving function
Procurement is changing. Traditional procurement revolved around delivery, cost and quality. Now, given the nature of environmental challenges as well as the necessity of data analytics, people with diverse skill sets are needed more than ever before. Nome believes it’s about changing the mindset of procurement. “You’ve got to shift that mentality because the function is so different today,” he explains. “In the future, it’s going to be a more collaborative function because procurement teams cannot win alone.”
With that future in mind, Nome recognises the space is a different beast today than it was a decade ago. Change dominates the industry and the players that embrace transformation will be the ones who win. “You need to use procurement as a lever to get change done,” he tells us. “It’s not enough anymore to look at your business only, your responsibility also extends to your suppliers. It’s about where you spend your money and your negotiation power because customers will look at that. I would say the regulation demands will offer a broader perspective, not only looking at your business but also how you spend your money.”
A passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion and equity of opportunity, Executive GM Ana Marinkovic leadsa team of 1,600+ small business experts. They lend over $1.2bn a month to Australian small businesses. National Australia Bank (NAB) plays a major role in propelling entrepreneurship across the country. Delivering better outcomes for small business owners sits at the very heart of NAB’s strategy. “Our scale and connectivity help us to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our business and the communities we operate in,” says Ana.
TUI: Making travel plans mobile
The mobile side of TUI has never been more vital. TUI’s mobile apps were officially launched in 2013 and began as something of a proof of concept. For the entire international industry, moving from web to mobile devices was a huge shift. The initial set of apps were very skeletal and only integrated for UK and Nordic customers.
One of this year’s goals is to accelerate the native journey to make all the customer journeys native. This will further improving the customer experience. After a recent UI refresh, the app look and feel is fresh and sleek, and has plenty of exciting features for customers to enjoy. “Just in the last couple of months we’ve introduced an integration with OpenAI for a travel planner that helps you choose excursions,” Donia adds. “Seeing it grow over the years is so exciting.”
TARA Energy Services: tech fuelling growth
“Continuous improvement is woven into the fabric of the culture at TARA Energy Services,” says its proud Director of IT, Paul Parzen. “Every day, we face new challenges, both operationally in the field and strategically in the boardroom. We must make sure the organisation’s IT strategy for data management, core infrastructure, network architecture, and security is ready to meet them.”
Link Group: Shaking up UK’s pension market via digitalisation
“Some people might say, ‘wow, a pension. That sounds a little boring.’ But at the end of the day, what we do is help people retire in the best way possible and that’s a pretty good place to be.”
Those are the words of Dee McGrath, CEO of Link Group’s Retirement Solutions since May 2019. The company is a global, digitally-enabled business connecting millions of people with their pension assets – safely, securely and responsibly.
Evara Health: Technology delivering care for all
Evara Health’s mission statement is to help people become healthy and live healthy lives, and that means all people. A lot of health organisations don’t serve everybody and their treatments aren’t available under many types of insurance. However, Evara Heath doesn’t turn anybody away. It supports the underserved and the uninsured, and patients are treated regardless of whether they can afford it. Around 25% of patients have no insurance at all, and over half are covered by Medicaid, which isn’t accepted by everyone.
Erik Oberländer (DE), Manager, Procurement Advisory, PwC, discusses how to combat inflation and maximise savings through game theory.
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Material scarcity, rising inflation, exploding energy prices, and an unstable geopolitical situation pose procurement challenges like never before.
The right negotiation strategy is not only essential for companies to achieve cost savings but is also absolutely vital for survival.
In the current market situation, securing material availability often takes top priority. In this case, negotiations with suppliers must be based on partnership and close cooperation. On the other hand, if contract volumes have been awarded in competition between multiple suppliers with a high degree of shiftability, the use of game theory should be considered.
But what does the game-theoretical negotiation approach look like? In a classic bilateral negotiation, the focus is on convincing the other party with the right strategy and tactics, a convincing storyline, and compelling arguments for one’s own position. In contrast, the game-theoretical approach involves developing a bidding mechanism that maximises the competitive dynamics between suppliers. The design of the bidding mechanisms is based on insights from numerous scientific theories.
In fact, since the 1990s, several Nobel Prizes in Economics have awarded in the field of game theory. This scientific approach opens up new perspectives in complex negotiations and makes it possible to forecast how people tend to behave. In strategic procurement, many companies use game theory in bids and negotiations. After realising unimaginable savings results, procurement teams are electrified and absolutely convinced of the effectiveness of game theory.
Game theory in procurement
The two most relevant and commonly used bidding mechanisms in procurement auctions are the Dutch (ascending bid increments) and English auction (descending bid increments). In combination with other elements, such as qualification and ranking rounds, they can maximise competitive pressure through credible market transparency.
However, when developing any game-theory-optimised bidding mechanism, many questions should be asked. For example: How should the lots be formed to create the greatest possible competitive pressure? What decision will a supplier make if it is assumed that they want to maximise their own benefit – and how do you optimise the bidding design to take this into account? With what bidding design can you put the best suppliers under pressure?
These criteria are met:
Game theory is fascinating – with demonstrable successes that cannot be achieved through classic negotiations, with the consistency and “purity” of its systematics, and with the surprising realisation that some game-theoretical approaches have been intuitively and unconsciously used to increase strategic competition and minimise risk aversion.
Many procurement teams believe this approach only applies to certain categories of goods. This is a misconception. Generally, only three criteria will be met. We call them the 3Cs:
•Comparability: All relevant decision parameters will be taken into account and is monetised through a bonus-malus evaluation. The offers of participating suppliers are comparable, and award decision is based on total cost of ownership.
•Commitment: The award decision is completely open. All participating suppliers are released by the department, and all cross-functions can win the contract on their own. In addition, it is clearly communicated that there will be no renegotiations or vetoes in further procurement committees.
•Competition: There must be more than one supplier interested in the scope of the award. Only this way can a competitive situation be created that is maximised with the help of a tailored award design. The right incentives for suppliers must be identified, and the appropriate signals set.
Possibly, not all of these criteria are met at the beginning of the project, but they can be developed together in cross-functional teams (consisting of colleagues from procurement, engineering, quality, logistics, and sales).
How the award is carried out:
Once the 3Cs are met, suppliers must be prepared for the award event. In transparent communication, the mechanism and rules are explained, and any uncertainties are clarified. No supplier should be unsettled, because only if the supplier has fully understood the mechanism, can he behave optimally, and the award mechanism can achieve its full effect.
The award day is then carried out with suppliers on-site or virtually via eAuction tools. Especially for larger award volumes, it is advantageous to have suppliers on-site, as signals are also sent to suppliers between rounds. In addition, you can literally feel the tension level and adjust the bid steps accordingly.
Virtual implementation facilitates the scaling of the approach with multiple providers. Smaller award volumes are carried out quickly and without great coordination effort. The selection of the appropriate tool provider is crucial. Not all tools can map more complex award mechanisms and adapts to specific individual starting situations.
Here are the first steps:
It must always be considered that game theory is a complex science and cannot be simply applied. The preparation time for the design of award strategies is often underestimated and set too low. To become a good game theorist, it is not enough to attend a weekend course or read a book. In fact, the unprofessional application of game theory can do more harm than good. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to be accompanied by a coach during the first use – only with this expertise are amazing negotiation results possible.
It is not always easy to delegate final decision-making authority to a mechanism, but it is worth it. Successful awards can ignite the fire in procurement teams. It is important to generate maximum enthusiasm, support cross-functional cooperation, and institutionalise negotiating skills in procurement teams.
By Erik Oberländer (DE), Manager, Procurement Advisory, PwC
Cybersecurity leader Shinesa Cambric on Microsoft’s innovation journey to identify, detect, protect, and respond to emerging threats against identity and access
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This month’s cover story highlights a cybersecurity program protecting billions of users.
Welcome to the latest issueof Interface magazine!
Interface showcases leaders at the forefront of innovation with digital technologies transforming myriad industries.
Shinesa Cambric is on a mission to drive innovation for cybersecurity at Microsoft. Moreover, by embracing diversity and opening all channels towards collaboration her team tackles anti-abuse and delivers fraud-defence. Continuous Improvement doesn’t just play into her role, it defines it…
“In the fraud and abuse space, attackers are constantly trying to identify ways to look like a legitimate user,” warns Shinesa. “And this means my team, and our partners, have to continuously adapt. We identify new patterns and behaviours to detect fraudsters. At the same time, we must do it in such a way we don’t impact our truly ‘good’ and legitimate users. Microsoft is a global consumer business and any time you add friction or an unpleasant experience for a consumer, you risk losing them, their business and potentially their trust. My team’s work sits on the very edge of the account sign up and sign in process. We are essentially the first touch within the customer funnel for Microsoft – a multi-billion dollar company.”
ABB: Digital Technolgies contributing towards Net Zero
Nigel Greatorex, Global Industry Manager for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) at ABB Energy Industries, explains how digital technologies can play a critical role in the transition to a low carbon world. He highlights the role of CCS in enabling global emissions reductions and how challenges can be overcome through digitalisation…
“It is widely recognised decarbonisation is essential to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Therefore, it’s not surprising that emerging decarbonisation technology is becoming an increasingly important, and rapidly growing market.”
CSI: How can your IT estate improve its sustainability?
Andy Dunn, Chief Revenue Officer at IT solutions specialist CSI, reveals how digital technologies can contribute to ESG obligations: “Sustainability is a now seen as a strategic business imperative, so much so that 74% of companies consider Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors to be very important to the value of their company. Additionally, we know almost three in four organisations have set a net zero goal. With an average target date of 2044, 50% of organisations are seeking more energy efficient products and services.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsDaZiSO1ho
“Optimising energy use and consolidating servers and storage infrastructure form a strong basis for shaping a more environmentally friendly and efficient IT estate. It no longer needs to be the Achilles Heel of an ESG policy. “
Mia Platform: Sustainable Cloud Computing
Davide Bianchi, Senior Technical Lead at Mia Platform, explores the silver lining of sustainable cloud computing. He reveals how it can help us reduce our digital carbon thumbprint with collaboration, efficient use of applications, containerisation of apps, microservices and green partnerships.
“We’re already on an important technological path toward ubiquitous cloud computing. Correspondingly, this brings incredible long-term benefits too. These include greater scalability, improved data storage, and quicker application deployment, to name a few.”
Also in this issue, we hear from Doug Laney, Innovation Fellow at West Monroe and author of Infonomics and Data Juice. Also, we learn how companies can measure, manage and monetise to realise the potential of their data. And, Deputy CIO Melvin Brown discusses the people-centric approach to IT supporting America’s civil service at The Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Doug Laney is Innovation Fellow at West Monroe and a leading Data & Analytics strategist. We caught up with the author of Infonomics and Data Juice to talk tech and how companies can measure, manage and monetise to realise the potential of their data
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Our cover story explores the rise of data and information as an asset.
Welcome to the latest issueof Interface magazine!
Interface showcases leadersaiming to take advantage of data, particularly in a new world of AI technologies where it is the fuel…
How to monetise, manage and measure data as an asset
Our cover star is pretty big in the world of analytics… We meet the guy who defined Big Data. Doug Laney is Innovation Fellow at West Monroe and a leading Data & Analytics strategist. We caught up with the author of Infonomics and Data Juice to talk tech and learn how companies can measure, manage and monetise to realise the potential of their information. In his first book Laney advised companies to stop being fixated on hindsight-oriented analytics. “It doesn’t actually move the needle on the business. In the stories I’ve compiled over the last decade, 98% have more to do with organisations using data to diagnose, predict, prescribe or automate something. It’s not about asking questions about what happened in the past.”
Canvas Worldwide: A data-driven media business
Continuing this month’s data theme, we also spoke with Alisa Ben, SVP, Head of Analytics at full-service media agency Canvas Worldwide. Data has transformed the organisation, and what its clients do. “We look holistically at the client’s business and sometimes the tools we have might be right for them, sometimes not. It’s more about helping our clients achieve their business outcomes.”
TUI Musement: from digital transformation to digital pioneer
At travel giant TUI, handling data effectively is paramount when communicating consistently and meaningfully with up to 25 million customers annually. David Garcia, CIO for TUI Musement, talks about the tech evolution driving the travel giant’s provision of experiences, transfers and tours. It’s a big part of its operational shift from local to global. “As a CIO, I’ve always been interested in how the tech innovations we drive can support the business and add value.”
Hiscox: making cybersecurity more accessible
Liz Banbury, CISO at Hiscox and president of (ISC)² London Chapter, talks to us about how cybersecurity can become a more accessible, realistic career path for almost anybody. “When I was at school, topics like computer science didn’t even exist,” Banbury explains. “In one of my first jobs, over in Hong Kong, we were still using a typewriter! A lot has changed. My key point here is that there’s a lot of cybersecurity professionals who are really good at their job. They are inspiring, and have come from all walks of life. Crucially, they don’t have a maths, computer science, or technological background at all. But they still make great cybersecurity professionals.
Portland Community College: Risk vs Speed in Cybersecurity
Reet Kaur, former Chief Information Security Officer at Portland Community College, discusses the organisation’s transition to the cloud amid a digital transformation journey. “I don’t want to work with people who just say yes all the time. I want my ideas challenged to help forge the excellence in the security programmes I help build.”
DBHDS: Cybersecurity in healthcare
The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) exists to create ‘a life of possibilities for all Virginians’ and transform behavioural health. Its focus is on supporting people across the entire commonwealth. It helps them get the support they need in order to take wellness and recovery into their own hands. In an area like healthcare, sensitive information is all over the place, meaning cybersecurity is a priority – and this is where Glendon Schmitz, CISO at DBHDS, comes in. “The security team exists to help the wider organisation achieve its objectives with data. We’re there to protect the business, not the other way around.”
Also in this issue, we schedule the can’t miss tech events and get the lowdown on IoT security from the Mobile Ecosystem Forum.
Melvin Brown, Deputy CIO at the Office of Personnel Management, explains the organisation’s ‘sprint to the cloud’ and its determination to modernise at every level.
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Our cover story highlights the Office of Personnel Management’s ‘sprint to the cloud’ with technology.
Welcome to the latest issueof Interface magazine!
Interface hears from leaders who champion a people-first approach driving successful technology transformations.
Culture Modernisation at the Office of Personnel Management
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is a government entity which manages America’s civil service. This month’s cover story explores how an organisation that prioritises people is taking a human approach to IT. Deputy CIO Melvin Brown oversees a portfolio of $500m in programs and a growing workforce of around 300 federal employees and contractors. OPM is undergoing a major cloud transformation… “We want to be cloud-first and cloud-smart as we move forward,” he explains. “So, we created a two-year sprint to the cloud plan where we take all our major applications and move them to the cloud in order to take advantage of all the benefits that brings, from both a security and a utility perspective.”
International Trade Administration: A strategic vision for technology
The International Trade Administration (ITA) strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment, and ensures fair trade through the enforcement of trade laws and agreements. We hear from its CIO Gerald Caron who is passionate about involving all stakeholders in ITA’s transformation… “We’re introducing different ways of thinking to drive innovation at the International Trade Administration (ITA). What is the art of the possible? We’re looking to explore possibilities with technology across our business units and build simple foundations for the development of more complex approaches.”
Irwin Mitchell: Technology with a human touch
Also espousing the importance of a people-centric approach, Graham Thomson, Chief Information Security Officer at Irwin Mitchell, discusses his firm’s transformative legal solutions. “We’re far more than just a law firm,” he says. “I think what sets us apart is that we’re very people focused and an organisation that genuinely cares about not only our customers but our people too. People are your biggest asset, and you have to look after them.”
State of Vermont: Using AI for good
We spoke with Shawn Nailor, Secretary and CIO at State of Vermont, about IT modernisation, tackling cybersecurity state-wide, and how AI is being used for the good of Vermonters. “We’ve got to be practitioners in order to give good guidance on how to use advanced technology and where… We want to establish a practice by which we can lead by example and show good applications or AI tools to advance services and the delivery of products.”
Also in this issue, we round up the must attend tech events; get game-changing AI, Metaverse and ‘moonshot’ insights from Lenovo, and learn why people are at the heart of the decision-making process at energy company newcleo.
Standard Bank CIO Bessy Mahopo on the challenges of operating in a fractured market and how the company overcomes them
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This month’s cover story highlights how technology is helping Standard Bank overcome the challenges of a fractured market to both drive business growth and improve services for customers.
Welcome to the latest issueof Interface magazine!
“Time may change me, but I can’t trace time…” sang David Bowie. Changes can be challenging to manage with the path to positive disruption not always a smooth change management journey.
Interface dives deep for insights on understanding, planning, implementing and communicating change across industries.
Standard Bank CIO (CIB – Transactional Banking) Bessy Mahopo explains how one of South Africa’s largest banks is using its own digital transformation successes as a template to support the country’s ongoing technological evolution by overhauling IT from the inside out. “I believe that once we start moving the curve to fifth and sixth generation technology, we’re going to become even more of a value-producer.”
The art of change management with SAP
Maria Villar, Head of Enterprise Data Strategy and Transformation at SAP, talks about the importance of driving change in the technology space and helping businesses thrive with data from the perspective of one of the world’s leading enterprise resource planning software vendors. “My job is about finding out what a good data strategy looks like and continuing to spend time with customers to look ahead…”
Talent transformation journeys with TUI
We caught up with Cerstin Lang, Director for HR Group IT at TUI. She reveals how it’s global For:ward program is driving digital transformation as the travel giant works with training partner Udacity to upskill IT talent. “Our IT goals are focused on developing a structure that supports new ways of working with the right balance to innovate and grow in the future.”
How TransUnion is enabling consumer trust
Alejandro Reskala, CIO Canada, LATAM, Caribbean at TransUnion, about technology transformation at a leading consumer credit reporting agency, its dedication to people, and how it makes trust possible. “TransUnion has always blazed a trail to use technology and data to generate insights that help support financial inclusion.”
Also in this issue, we ask what the birth of ChatGPT means for businesses leveraging tech and learn from Rivery why organisations need to rethink their data strategy with robust operational analytics.
“Disruption should drive digitalisation and cloud uptake rather than hindering it.”
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Sal Laher, Chief Digital & Information Officer at global enterprise software provider IFS, reveals how a single strategy for cloud and digitalisation helps businesses maximise the rewards of growth.
Digitalisation equals transformation
Digitalisation and the business transformation projects that enable it are again on the radar for many businesses, particularly given the current macro-economics and potential recession being predicted. According to recent data from Research and Markets, The Global Digital Transformation Market size is expected to reach $1,302.9bn by 2027, rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8% in the period 2021-2027.
This renewed focus on digitalisation is aligned to businesses accelerating cloud migration, including readily available SaaS solutions. The Flexera 2021 State of the Cloud Report finds 92% of enterprises have a multi-cloud strategy and 80% have a hybrid cloud strategy.
Sal Laher, Chief Digital & Information Officer, IFS
Both trends will go hand in hand as digitalisation and cloud migration continue to drive business efficiencies, process change and consumer service demands. Most organisations are aware of the potential rewards both business models can bring. This is because it is not the first time they are being talked about– this major transformational shift has already been in place for a decade. But some, wary of the disruptive impact of recent global events are holding back from implementing them. However, it is the wrong approach.
Disruption should drive digitalisation and cloud uptake rather than hindering it. Even in isolation, either moving to the cloud, or undertaking digitalisation, will enable faster decision-making, supported by greater compute power and more agile processes, generating faster output and enhancing customer service. Yet, to drive competitive edge, organisations need to combine cloud migration with business transformation and look to maximise those benefits. To do this, they must develop a single strategy covering both elements and move forward with a common approach.
Migrating to the cloud for business transformation
By digitalising, organisations have an opportunity to benefit from faster time to insight, enhanced business and customer connectivity, and operational efficiencies. It allows them to more easily collect and analyse data that they can later turn into actionable, revenue-generating insights.
Over time, they can go further and start to tap into the benefits of artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). But it is the additional compute power and scalability of the cloud that helps them to maximise these benefits and fulfil the potential of digital technologies.
Cloud migration also includes adopting evergreen application (business process) solutions in the cloud with the many SaaS solutions that are available today. That’s why it is important that they adopt a single plan to migrate to the cloud and drive business transformation all in one. This tandem approach also avoids unnecessary customisation, making a business much more agile to change based on actionable data insights.
Adopting a single plan will, in itself, drive up efficiencies and drive down costs. But critically, the two must be linked to ensure that businesses maximise the benefits of the migration process.
It is cloud, after all, that helps businesses adapt to the new digital world, enabling them, for instance, to leverage out of the box business applications, digital analytics tools and low code platforms that deliver informed decision-making and reduce costs. But cloud doesn’t just maximise the benefits for businesses, it also accelerates them. Cloud has become the fulcrum of digital transformation, mainly due to its ability to enable innovation at scale and allow businesses that have digitalised to rapidly launch enterprise-ready products.
Without cloud, businesses will struggle to drive through timely updates to systems and processes. The costs of stakeholder management may ramp up. Moreover, moving to the cloud without doing it within the step-by-step structure of digital transformation risks mistakes being made, increasing the likelihood of data loss and security breaches through misconfigurations.
Optimising the benefits of digital transformation in the cloud
We have seen how important it is to adopt a single strategy for cloud migration and digitalisation and to execute them in tandem. But organisations also need to maximise the benefits of the combined approach. So how can they best do this?
First, they need to avoid procrastination and delay. The benefits of digitalisation and cloud migration working together are compelling – and senior leaders need to seize the initiative and kickstart the transformation. To get the ball rolling, they need to conduct a benchmarking exercise to better understand where their business stands in terms of its capabilities or gaps. This will help to decide where efforts and resources should be focused.
They then need to align their business processes with IT. That’s key as modern business models increasingly emphasise the digitalisation of processes.
Cloud computing and network security concept, 3d rendering,conceptual image.
They should begin by determining their goals and the systems, technologies, and processes currently in use to achieve them. Next, they need to brainstorm and document core business objectives before developing a cloud and digitalisation migration roadmap to guide their implementation. Measuring performance will also be crucial to optimising results. In choosing which metrics to analyse, organisations should concentrate on those that will most positively impact their bottom line or user experience.
Ensuring employees buy into the process of cloud-based digitalisation will also be key. Organisations should use cloud-based digitalisation as an opportunity to strengthen business processes and help employees switch to new ways of working which maximise the potential of the new technology.
Digital readiness
Given all this, it is vital businesses don’t delay on their journey to digital and the cloud. Unfortunately, CIOs often struggle to know where to start with a cloud and digital migration strategy.
Before they begin, they often look to put a complete strategy in place up front. The truth is that it is not necessary. Instead, they need to get going and prioritise what’s most important. Pick one area, settle on a use case, digitalise, and move it to the cloud, demonstrate results – and then repeat incrementally. That will enable the business to showcase value and create momentum. Over time also, this single coordinated approach, will allow it to tap into a wide range of cloud and digitalisation related benefits – and ultimately to maximise the rewards.
Ian Povey, CIO – Head of Payments Services & Technology, on the strategic transformation taking place at NatWest benefitting both the bank and its customers
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This month’s cover story reveals how innovation is at the core of change for payments processes at NatWest.
Welcome to the latest issueof Interface magazine!
Charles Darwin famously said: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.” Technology is helping us to evolve. And that evolution is being driven by innovation.
“It may be a cliché, but a transformation journey really has no end… If you fixate on a constant end state without ‘checking in’ you can, and likely will, fail in your objectives.” A wise outlook from a CIO with three decades of change management experience across banking’s payments panorama.
Ian Povey, CIO – Head of Payments Services & Technology, discusses the strategic transformation taking place at NatWest and how that journey of change and innovation is benefitting both the bank and its customers as it evolves to become a relationship bank for a digital world. “Our environment is always changing – we must be on the back of the ‘Change Dragon’ and steering/influencing as a leader and always learning from our teams for new ideas.”
Customer-Centric transformation at FedEx
We also check in with logistics leader FedEx… Custom Critical CIO Cheryl Bevelle-Orange reveals a “technology-forward yet flexible company” embracing innovation and “paving the way for customers to get more relevant information faster about their packages while delivering with excellence”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=galaZZlrEn0
Continuous Improvement in IT at Mazars
Mazars CIO David Marcelino explains his approach to innovation and leading on a successful IT transformation program at one of the world’s largest audit and advisory firms aiming to improve the digital experience for all its stakeholders. “Change Management, adoption, training and awareness are at the core of every single business technology project we deliver.”
Tech innovation at speed with the US Air Force
We also caught up with George Forbes, Director of Digital Operations Directorate at the United States Air Force, who outlines the importance of innovation within the federal government.
Digital Transformation in healthcare at Avellino
Nancy Selph, Global Head of IT at Avellino Lab, discusses how technology is creating new opportunities to improve health outcomes and the importance of leadership in the industry.
Also in this issue, we round up the key tech events and conferences across the globe; we learn how Minted are making it easy for everyone to invest in gold; and we feature the latest on cloud digitalisation from IFS.
Expert analysis of the tech trends set to make waves this year
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Digital transformation is a continuing journey of change with no set final destination. This makes predicting tomorrow a challenge when no one has a crystal ball to hand.
After a difficult few years for most businesses following a disruptive pandemic and now battling a cost-of-living crisis, many enterprises are increasingly leveraging new types of technology to gain an edge in a disruptive world.
With this in mind, here are what experts predict for the next 12 months…
1. Process Mining
Sam Attias, Director of Product Marketing at Celonis, expects to see a rise in the adoption of process mining as it evolves to incorporate automation capabilities. He says process mining has traditionally been “a data science done in isolation” which helps companies identify hidden inefficiencies by extracting data and visually representing it.
“It is now evolving to become more prescriptive than descriptive and will empower businesses to simulate new methods and processes in order to estimate success and error rates, as well as recommend actions before issues actually occur,” says Attias. “It will fix inefficiencies in real-time through automation and execution management.”
2. The evolution of social robots
Gabriel Aguiar Noury, Robotics Product Manager at Canonical, anticipates social robots to return this year. After companies such as Sony introduced robots like Poiq, Aguiar Noury believes it “sets the stage” for a new wave of social robots.
“Powered by natural language generation models like GPT-3, robots can create new dialogue systems,” he says. “This will improve the robot’s interactivity with humans, allowing robots to answer any question.
“Social robots will also build narratives and rich personalities, making interaction with users more meaningful. GPT-3 also powers Dall-E, an image generator. Combined, these types of technologies will enable robots not only to tell but show dynamic stories.”
3. The rebirth of new data-powered business applications
Christian Kleinerman, Senior Vice President of Product at Snowflake, says there is the beginning of a “renaissance” in software development. He believes developers will bring their applications to central combined sources of data instead of the “traditional approach” of copying data into applications.
“Every single application category, whether it’s horizontal or specific to an industry vertical, will be reinvented by the emergence of new data-powered applications,” affirms Kleinerman. “This rise of data-powered applications will represent massive opportunities for all different types of developers, whether they’re working on a brand-new idea for an application and a business based on that app, or they’re looking for how to expand their existing software operations.”
4. Application development will become a two-way conversation
Adrien Treuille, Head of Streamlit at Snowflake, believes application development will become a two-way conversation between producers and consumers. It is his belief that the advent of easy-to-use low-code or no-code platforms are already “simplifying the building” and sharing of interactive applications for tech-savvy and business users.
“Based on that foundation, the next emerging shift will be a blurring of the lines between two previously distinct roles — the application producer and the consumer of that software.”
He adds that application development will become a collaborative workflow where consumers can weigh in on the work producers are doing in real-time. “Taking this one step further, we’re heading towards a future where app development platforms have mechanisms to gather app requirements from consumers before the producer has even started creating that software.”
5. The Metaverse
Paul Hardy, EMEA Innovation Officer at ServiceNow, says he expects business leaders to adopt technologies such as the metaverse in 2023. The aim of this is to help cultivate and maintain employee engagement as businesses continue working in hybrid environments, in an increasingly challenging macro environment.
“Given the current economic climate, adoption of the metaverse may be slow, but in the future, a network of 3D virtual worlds will be used to foster meaningful social connections, creating new experiences for employees and reinforcing positive culture within organisations,” he says. “Hybrid work has made employee engagement more challenging, as it can be difficult to communicate when employees are not together in the same room.
“Leaders have begun to see the benefit of hosting traditional training and development sessions using VR and AI-enhanced coaching. In the next few years, we will see more workplaces go a step beyond this, for example, offering employees the chance to earn recognition in the form of tokens they can spend in the real or virtual world, gamifying the experience.”
6. The year of ESG?
Cathy Mauzaize, Vice President, EMEA South, at ServiceNow, believes 2023 could be the year that environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) is vital to every company’s strategy.
“Failure to engage appropriate investment in ESG strategies could plunge any organisation into a crisis,” she says. “Legislation must be respected and so must the expectations of employees, investors and your ecosystem of partners and customers.
“ESG is not just a tick box, one and done, it’s a new way of business that will see us through 2023 and beyond.”
7. Macro Trends and Redeploying Budgets for Efficiency
Ulrik Nehammer, President, EMEA at ServiceNow, says organisations are facing an incredibly complex and volatile macro environment. Nehammer explains as the world is gripped by soaring inflation, intelligent digital investments can be a huge deflationary force.
“Business leaders are already shifting investment focus to technologies that will deliver outcomes faster,” he says. “Going into 2023, technology will become increasingly central to business success – in fact, 95% of CEOs are already pursuing a digital-first strategy according to IDC’s CEO survey, as digital companies deliver revenue growth far faster than non-digital ones.”
8. Organisations will have adopted a NaaS strategy
David Hughes, Aruba’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, believes that by the end of 2023, 20% of organisations will have adopted a network-as-a-service (NaaS) strategy.
“With tightening economic conditions, IT requires flexibility in how network infrastructure is acquired, deployed, and operated to enable network teams to deliver business outcomes rather than just managing devices,” he says. “Migration to a NaaS framework enables IT to accelerate network modernisation yet stay within budget, IT resource, and schedule constraints.
“In addition, adopting a NaaS strategy will help organisations meet sustainability objectives since leading NaaS suppliers have adopted carbon-neutral and recycling manufacturing strategies.”
9. Think like a seasonal business
According to Patrick Bossman, Product Manager at MariaDB corporation, he anticipates 2023 to be the year that the ability to “scale out on command” is going to be at the fore of companies’ thoughts.
“Organisations will need the infrastructure in place to grow on command and scale back once demand lowers,” he says. “The winners in 2023 will be those who understand that all business is seasonal, and all companies need to be ready for fluctuating demand.”
10. Digital platforms need to adapt to avoid falling victim to subscription fatigue
Demed L’Her, Chief Technology Officer at DigitalRoute, suggests what the subscription market is going to look like in 2023 and how businesses can avoid falling victim to ‘subscription fatigue’. L’Her says there has been a significant drop in demand since the pandemic.
“Insider’s latest research shows that as of August, nearly a third (30%) of people reported cancelling an online subscription service in the past six months,” he reveals. “This is largely due to the rising cost of living experienced globally that is leaving households with reduced budgets for luxuries like digital subscriptions. Despite this, the subscription market is far from dead, with most people retaining some despite tightened budgets.
“However, considering the ongoing economic challenges, businesses need to consider adapting if they are to be retained by customers in the long term. The key to this is ensuring that the product adds value to the life of the customer.”
11. Waking up to browser security
Jonathan Lee, Senior Product Manager at Menlo Security, points to the web browser being the biggest attack surface and suggests the industry is “waking up” to the fact of where people spend the most time.
“Vendors are now looking at ways to add security controls directly inside the browser,” explains Lee. “Traditionally, this was done either as a separate endpoint agent or at the network edge, using a firewall or secure web gateway. The big players, Google and Microsoft, are also in on the act, providing built-in controls inside Chrome and Edge to secure at a browser level rather than the network edge.
“But browser attacks are increasing, with attackers exploiting new and old vulnerabilities, and developing new attack methods like HTML Smuggling. Remote browser isolation is becoming one of the key principles of Zero Trust security where no device or user – not even the browser – can be trusted.”
12. The year of quantum-readiness
Tim Callan, Chief Experience Officer at Sectigo, predicts that 2023 will be the year of quantum-readiness. He believes that as a result of the standardisation of new quantum-safe algorithms expected to be in place by 2024, this year will be a year of action for government bodies, technology vendors, and enterprise IT leaders to prepare for the deployment.
“In 2022, the US National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST) selected a set of post-quantum algorithms for the industry to standardise on as we move toward our quantum-safe future,” says Callan.
“In 2023, standards bodies like the IETF and many others must work to incorporate these algorithms into their own guidelines to enable secure functional interoperability across broad sets of software, hardware, and digital services. Providers of these hardware, software, and service products must follow the relevant guidelines as they are developed and begin preparing their technology, manufacturing, delivery, and service models to accommodate updated standards and the new algorithms.”
13. AI: fewer keywords, greater understanding
AI expert Dr Pieter Buteneers, Director of AI and Machine Learning at Sinch, expects artificial intelligence to continue to transition away from keywords and move towards an increased level of understanding.
“Language-agnostic AI, already existent within certain AI and chatbot platforms, will understand hundreds of languages — and even interchange them within a single search or conversation — because it’s not learning language like you or I would,” he says. “This advanced AI instead focuses on meaning, and attaches code to words accordingly, so language is more of a finishing touch than the crux of a conversation or search query.
“Language-agnostic AI will power stronger search results — both from external (the internet) and internal (a company database) sources — and less robotic chatbot conversations, enabling companies to lean on automation to reduce resources and strain on staff and truly trust their AI.”
14. Rise in digital twin technology in the enterprise
John Hill, CEO and Founder of Silico, recognises the growing influence digital twin technology is having in the market. Hill predicts that in the next 20 years, there will be a digital twin of every complex enterprise in the world and anticipates the next generation of decision-makers will routinely use forward-looking simulations and scenario analytics to plan and optimise their business outcomes.
“Digital twin technology is one of the fastest-growing facets of industry 4.0 and while we’re still at the dawn of digital twin technology,” he explains. “Digital twins will have huge implications for unlocking our ability to plan and manage the complex organisations so crucial for our continued economic progress and underpin the next generation of Intelligent Enterprise Automation.”
15. Broader tech security
With an exponential amount of data at companies’ fingertips, Tricentis CEO, Kevin Thompson says the need for investment in secure solutions is paramount.
“The general public has become more aware of the access companies have to their personal data, leading to the impending end of third-party cookies, and other similar restrictions on data sharing,” he explains. “However, security issues still persist. The persisting influx of new data across channels and servers introduces greater risk of infiltration by bad actors, especially for enterprise software organisations that have applications in need of consistent testing and updates. The potential for damage increases as iterations are being made with the expanding attack surface.
“Now, the reality is a matter of when, not if, your organisation will be the target of an attack. To combat this rising security concern, organisations will need to integrate security within the development process from the very beginning. Integrating security and compliance testing at the upfront will greatly reduce risk and prevent disruptions.”
16. Increased cyber resilience
Michael Adams, CISO at Zoom, expects an increased focus on cyber resilience over the next 12 months. “While protecting organisations against cyber threats will always be a core focus area for security programs, we can expect an increased focus on cyber resilience, which expands beyond protection to include recovery and continuity in the event of a cyber incident,” explains Adams.
“It’s not only investing resources in protecting against cyber threats; it’s investing in the people, processes, and technology to mitigate impact and continue operations in the event of a cyber incident.”
17. Ransomware threats
As data leaks become increasingly common place in the industry, companies face a very real threat of ransomware. Michal Salat, Threat Intelligence Director at Avast, believes the time is now for businesses to protect themselves or face recovery fees costing millions of dollars.
“Ransomware attacks themselves are already an individual’s and businesses’ nightmare. This year, we saw cybergangs threatening to publicly publish their targets’ data if a ransom isn’t paid, and we expect this trend to only grow in 2023,” says Salat. “This puts people’s personal memories at risk and poses a double risk for businesses. Both the loss of sensitive files, plus a data breach, can have severe consequences for their business and reputation.”
18. Intensified supply chain attacks
Dirk Schrader, VP of security research at Netwrix, believes supply chain attacks are set to increase in the coming year. “Modern organisations rely on complex supply chains, including small and medium businesses (SMBs) and managed service providers (MSPs),” he says.
“Adversaries will increasingly target these suppliers rather than the larger enterprises knowing that they provide a path into multiple partners and customers. To address this threat, organisations of all sizes, while conducting a risk assessment, need to take into account the vulnerabilities of all third-party software or firmware.”
19. A greater need to manage volatility
Paul Milloy, Business Consultant at Intradiem, stresses the importance of managing volatility in an ever-moving market. Milloy believes bosses can utilise data through automation to foresee potential problems before they become issues.
“No one likes surprises. Whilst Ben Franklin suggested nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes, businesses will want to automate as many of their processes as possible to help manage volatility in 2023,” he explains. “Data breeds intelligence, and intelligence breeds insight. Managers can use the data available from workforce automation tools to help them manage peaks and troughs better to avoid unexpected resource bottlenecks.”
20. A human AI co-pilot will still be needed
Artem Kroupenev, VP of Strategy at Augury, predicts that within the next few years, every profession will be enhanced with hybrid intelligence, and have an AI co-pilot which will operate alongside human workers to deliver more accurate and nuanced work at a much faster pace.
“These co-pilots are already being deployed with clear use cases in mind to support specific roles and operational needs, like AI-driven solutions that enable reliability engineers to ensure production uptime, safety and sustainability through predictive maintenance,” he says. “However, in 2023, we will see these co-pilots become more accurate, more trusted and more ingrained across the enterprise.
“Executives will better understand the value of AI co-pilots to make critical business decisions, and as a key competitive differentiator, and will drive faster implementation across their operations. The AI co-pilot technology will be more widespread next year, and trust and acceptance will increase as people see the benefits unfold.”
21. Building the right workplace culture
Harnessing a positive workplace culture is no easy task but in 2023 with remote and hybrid working now the norm, it brings with it new challenges. Tony McCandless, Chief Technology Officer at SS&C Blue Prism, is well aware of the role organisational culture can play in any digital transformation journey.
“Workers are the heart of an organisation, so without their buy in, no digital transformation initiative stands a chance of success,” explains McCandless. “Workers drive home business objectives, and when it comes to digital transformation, they are the ones using, implementing, and sometimes building automations. Curiosity, innovation, and the willingness to take risks are essential ingredients to transformative digitalisation.
“Businesses are increasingly recognising that their workers play an instrumental role in determining whether digitalisation initiatives are successful. Fostering the right work environment will be a key focus point for the year ahead – not only to cultivate buy-in but also to improve talent retention and acquisition, as labor supply issues are predicted to continue into 2023 and beyond.”
22. Cloud cover to soften recession concerns
Amid a cost-of-living crisis and concerns over any potential recession as a result, Daniel Thomasson, VP of Engineering and R&D at Keysight Technologies, says more companies will shift data intensive tasks to the cloud to reduce infrastructure and operational costs.
“Moving applications to the cloud will also help organisations deliver greater data-driven customer experiences,” he affirms. “For example, advanced simulation and test data management capabilities such as real-time feature extraction and encryption will enable use of a secure cloud-based data mesh that will accelerate and deepen customer insights through new algorithms operating on a richer data set. In the year ahead, expect the cloud to be a surprising boom for companies as they navigate economic uncertainty.”
23. IoT devices to scale globally
Dr Raullen Chai, CEO and Co-Founder of IoTeX, recognises a growing trend in the usage of IoT devices worldwide and believes connectivity will increase significantly.
“For decades, Big Tech has monopolised user data, but with the advent of Web3, we will see more and more businesses and smart device makers beginning to integrate blockchain for device connectivity as it enables people to also monetise their data in many different ways, including in marketing data pools, medical research pools and more,” he explains. “We will see a growth in decentralised applications that allow users to earn a modest additional revenue from everyday activities, such as walking, sleeping, riding a bike or taking the bus instead of driving, or driving safely in exchange for rewards.
“Living healthy lifestyles will also become more popular via decentralised applications for smart devices, especially smart watches and other health wearables.”
Todd Salmon, Executive Advisor for Strategic Services at GuidePoint Security, on the cybersecurity challenge of keeping up with the pace of the ever-changing digital world
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This month’s cover story explores how GuidePoint Security, an elite team of highly trained and certified experts, cut through cybersecurity chaos and confusion to put control back in customers’ hands.
Welcome to the latest issueof Interface magazine!
Interface welcomes in 2023 with a need-to-know list of what we can expect from technology this year and how it can allow enterprises to gain a competitive edge in a disruptive and increasingly digital world. Faced with everything from process mining and AI to quantum-readiness and the metaverse we cut through the hype to bring you the facts.
GuidePoint Security: digital transformation in cybersecurity
“Cybersecurity is in such a reactive mode because of the sheer volume of risks and vulnerabilities an organisation faces,” says Todd Salmon, Executive Advisor for Strategic Services at GuidePoint Security. “We see a lot of copycats and repeat attacks happen, but at the end of the day it’s all about creating solutions to help combat those problems.”
GuidePoint’s elite team of highly trained and certified experts, cut through cybersecurity chaos and confusion to put control back in customers’ hands. Helping them make the smartest, most informed cyber risk decisions, and choose and integrate the best-fit solutions to build the most effective cybersecurity program, Salmon discusses the challenge of keeping up with the pace of the ever-changing digital world.
bp: a strategic reinvention
“We are investing in digital to drive process efficiency and improve insights; but also to develop our people with the skills we need for now, and the future at bp. This means we are playing to win while caring for our people through investing in their personal development,” says Head of Strategic Transformation Nick Hales.
“After setting the right foundations through various remediation and compliance initiatives, we embarked on our digital transformation journey,” adds Strategy & Transformation Manager Emmanouela Vlachantoni. “There was a clear opportunity to standardise and streamline our controls environment to reduce complexity and increase insight.”
Fairfax County: winning the IT war with cybersecurity
Meanwhile, across the pond, we learn how Fairfax County in the State of Virginia is reaping the rewards of a cybersecurity program enabling government services and keeping citizens safe. “My role is to educate our leadership to ensure they understand the business value of cybersecurity as it relates to government services. Being accountable for the security of their systems and data is a key factor in developing a successful cyber program,” explains CISO Michael Dent.
Also in this issue, we round up the key tech events and conferences across the globe and, with the help of the experts at Fasthosts, take a deep dive into the metaverse… Can virtual reality become our reality? Read on to find out.
Nick Hales, Head of Strategic Transformation and Emmanouela Vlachantoni, Strategy & Transformation Senior Manager, on the journey to reinvent business processes that are reimagining bp
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This month’s cover story reveals how bp’s Strategic Transformation leaders are on a journey to reinvent business processes that are reimagining the energy giant.
Welcome to the latest issueof Interface magazine!
Our final issue of Interface for 2022 covers some of this year’s hot tech topics: digital transformation, cybersecurity, data & analytics, customer-centricity and more…
“We are investing in digital to drive process efficiency and improve insights; but also to develop our people with the skills we need for now, and the future. This means we are playing to win while caring for our people through investing in their personal development,” says Nick Hales.
“After setting the right foundations through various remediation and compliance initiatives, we embarked on our digital transformation journey,” adds Emmanouela Vlachantoni. “There was a clear opportunity to standardise and streamline our controls environment to reduce complexity and increase insight.”
Fairfax County: winning the IT war with cybersecurity
Meanwhile, across the pond, we learn how Fairfax County in the State of Virginia is reaping the rewards of a cybersecurity program enabling government services and keeping citizens safe. “My role is to educate our leadership to ensure they understand the business value of cybersecurity as it relates to government services. Being accountable for the security of their systems and data is a key factor in developing a successful cyber program,” explains CISO Michael Dent.
Piedmont Healthcare: data & analytics at the heart of growth
The power of data cannot be under-estimated… At Piedmont Healthcare Mark Jackson, Executive Director of Business Intelligence is building a data strategy driving speed to insight at scale. “Tool selection has played an important role in our ability to scale the BI program and deliver rapid insights in a dynamic environment.”
Also in this issue, CalArts CTO Allan Chen explains how an IT strategy based on coordination and collaboration is supporting six schools; Information Tech VP Fausto Sosa de la Fuente reveals the people-centric transformative IT process at construction industry giant CEMEX; and we take a look at the latest insights from McKinsey highlighting the lessons CEOs can learn from successful digital transformations.
John MClure, CISO at Sinclair Group – a diversified media company and America’s leading provider of local sports and news – talks about the evolution of cybersecurity and the cultural shift placing it at the forefront of business change
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This month’s cover story explores how Sinclair Broadcast Group is embracing the evolution of cybersecurity and placing the role of the CISO at the forefront of business transformation.
Welcome to the latest issueof Interface magazine!
Communication, secure and at speed, is a vital component of the transformation journey for both the modern enterprise and its relationship with stakeholders, be they customers or partners. Putting the right building blocks in place to deliver successful change management is at the heart of the inspiring stories in the latest issue of Interface.
Our cover star John McClure progressed from a career in the military and work as a consultant in the intelligence industry to fight a new kind of foe… As CISO for Sinclair Broadcast Group, a diversified media company and America’s leading provider of local sports and news, he talks about the evolution of cybersecurity, the battle to meet the rising velocity and sophistication of cyber-attacks and the cultural shift of the role of CISO placing it at the forefront of business change.
“Sinclair is unique in terms of its different business units and how it operates. It’s my job as CISO leading our cyber team not to be an obstacle for the business; we’re here to help it move faster to keep up with market forces, and to move safely. We’re here to engineer solutions that work for the enterprise but also help us maintain a positive security posture.”
State of Florida: digital government services
We also hear from CIO Jamie Grant who is leading the State of Florida’s Digital Service (FL[DS]) on its charge to transform and modernise the way government is accessed and consumed. He is building a team of talented, goal-oriented and customer-obsessed individuals to drive a digital transformation with innovation at its heart. “Leadership is really about developing the team and investing in the people. And it turns out that when you get their backs, they appreciate it and then you can achieve anything.”
ResultsCX: putting people first
Jamie Vernon, SVP for IT & Infrastructure at AI-powered customer experience solution specialist ResultsCX, discusses what drives customer care in the 21st century, and the part technology has to play.
“We are the custodians of our customers’ customers,” says Vernon. “In this increasingly tenuous relationship with their customers, they trust us. My leadership takes that responsibility very seriously, and charges each of us with doing everything we can to provide a perfect call, or email, or chat, every time, thousands of times a minute, around the clock and around the calendar.”
Jamie Vernon, SVP for IT & Infrastructure at AI-powered customer experience solution specialist ResultsCX, discusses what drives customer care in the 21st century, and the part technology has to play.
“We are the custodians of our customers’ customers,” says Vernon. “In this increasingly tenuous relationship with their customers, they trust us. My leadership takes that responsibility very seriously, and charges each of us with doing everything we can to provide a perfect call, or email, or chat, every time, thousands of times a minute, around the clock and around the calendar.”
Also this month, Sarita Singh, Regional Head & Managing Director for Stripe in Southeast Asia, talks about how the fast-growing payments platform is driving financial inclusion across Asia and supporting SMEs with end-to-end services putting users first, and we get expert advice for the modern CEO from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.
Our cover story this month explores how Wei Li, Vice President & GM for AI & Analytics at Intel, and his team are powering Artificial Intelligence to enable the digital journey from data to insights
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This month’s cover story explores Intel’s AI technologies powering the digital journey from data to insights…
Welcome to the latest issue of Interface magazine!
In this issue of Interface, we speak with a diverse group of tech leaders blazing a trail that others can follow to navigate the journey towards transformation.
We met with this month’s cover star Wei Li at the AI Summit during London Tech Week where Intel’s AI & Analytics leader delivered a compelling keynote speech and explained how the tech leader is powering Artificial Intelligence to enable the digital journey from data to insights.
“AI Everywhere means that anybody should be able to apply and use AI,” says Li, explaining the pledge Intel has made to further democratise the use of technologies such as AI. “We provide not only the hardware for AI, but also AI software and solutions for everyone to accelerate their data to insights journey. Software is the bridge between hardware and the millions of developers and billions of users.”
London Tech Week
During London Tech Week Chris Philp MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), discussed the launch of the UK’s Digital Strategy with an expert panel. We take a look at what this means for Britain’s approach to expanding the reach of its digital economy to drive growth, boost productivity and create more better-paid jobs.
ENGIE: collaboration through data
We speak with ENGIE’s Group Chief Analytics Officer Thierry Grima, who outlines the extraordinary data transformation the global utility giant is going through, and how the ground-breaking data connection of 170,000 global team members is benefiting the business. “As a business, we need to unlock the value of data because it’s no longer a competitive advantage. It’s just a necessity.”
Elsewhere, Jim Brady from Fairview Health Services reveals how his dual role as CISO and VP Information Security & Infrastructure/Operations is uniting security and operational technology to break down silos and drive a transformation with people power at its heart. “I love people, helping them and interacting with them in a positive way. There are several hundred people on my team, but I still spend time with them one-on-one and in small groups, even now that we’re largely working remotely.”
Also in this issue, S. M. Jaleel’s CIO Teoman Buyan explains how the right company culture can drive a positive technology transformation and Sal Laher, Chief Digital & Information Officer at global enterprise software provider IFS, talks about the importance of developing a more environmentally friendly approach to technology that weaves sustainability into the software fabric.
This month’s cover story explores the customer-centric digital transformation journey of leading insurer AXA being led by UK & Ireland CIO Darrell Ryman
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Our cover story this month explores how leading insurer AXA‘s customer-centric digital transformation journey is refining the art of the possible to unite business with technology.
Welcome to the latest issue of Interface magazine!
The opportunity to leverage data & analytics to transform organisations seeking to sharpen their digital focus and better connect with internal and external stakeholders is at the forefront of a revolution in connectivity driving both operational efficiency and growth. In this issue we bring you some inspiring stories that reflect the impact today’s innovations are having on shaping the business journeys of tomorrow…
This month’s cover story explores the customer-centric digital transformation journey being led by AXA’s UK & Ireland CIO Darrell Ryman. “It’s both a challenge and an opportunity for the insurance industry,” he reflects. “Many of the legacy systems firms use are now outdated and based on the nine-to-five business operating model – they’re not designed for the modern digital experience.” Ryman’s IT team is driving that transformation pivot by focusing on three key pillars: developing a digital backbone, becoming a digital business and creating a digital ecosystem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6wxgQ2gAmI
XGS
Today’s on demand transactions require custom logistics solutions. We discover how flooring supply chain specialist Xpress Global Systems (XGS) is combining existing data with employee experience to deliver technology solutions that form the core of the company’s humanised approach to digital transformation.
EY
Also in this issue, Ken Priyadarshi CT AI leader of EY Technology, explains how the leading professional services network is developing Digital Twins to deliver big-data and low-latency scenario planning models for financial services: “It’s time for the digital twin to become a mainstream tool for the C-suite and go beyond the traditional manufacturing or operational use-cases.”
Data management driving efficiency and growth
Elsewhere, we learn how specialist insurance broker Howden is achieving success in Asia by establishing a structured, data-driven, engagement and distribution strategy; and reveal the way America’s leading critical infrastructure damage prevention firm, Stake Center Locating, is future-proofing by transferring its expertise from legacy systems to the cloud.
