Digital Transformation: IT in transition

As companies master change with new business models

Once again the IT prepares to revolutionize the industry. So far, companies put their IT systems in classical production and management a - the availability of fast and agile solutions now enables the creation of entirely new business models like Whatsapp or Uber.

The increasing digitalization provides companies but also in front of organizational challenges, such as the panel discussion on "Digital Transformation: How companies with new business models to master change" in Munich became clear.

Sensors measure the microclimate in vineyards

Here Dr. Carlo Velten led by analyst firm Crisp Research the example of a winery in the field. Some winemakers accessorise their vineyards with sensors that measure the microclimate. Based on the data collected, you can water and fertilizer control precisely and so maximize returns.

However Velten looks more the private sector as the driving force of the digital revolution. Fitness bands smart watches or intelligent garments are currently experiencing a boom. Therefore, the analyst in the lifestyle sector looks despite privacy concerns, the greatest willingness to share information.

Surprising developments, for example, in the automotive sector, sees Dr. John Liebig on the industry forward. The CEO of the SOA, Innovation Lab said, a few years ago no one saw Google in the automotive sector. Now the company is investing in autonomous driving.


In his opinion, companies should distinguish between three factors of digitization. In addition to those of their own power supply, so the opening of new products based on digital services and product features business models, there is the factor of performance. This includes for example new production methods. Furthermore, the digitalization of cooperation and other business functions carried out. The use of social networks would be an example. Companies are more flexible and able to react quickly to changing conditions in uncertain new markets.

Future IT departments: dichotomy in tankers and speedboats

Thus, Liebig suggests the same line as IT service providers. IT departments have to be flexible if they are to adapt to the digital transformation, said Tolga also Erdogan, Director Solutions & Consulting at Dimension Data. As the division into tankers and speed boats, one could imagine the future work of the IT department. Parallel to the safe operation could try so new ideas without risk.

At Microsoft we see Cloud and SOA as the basis for flexible structures. Werner Reuss, Internet of Things Commercial Lead is convinced that the process of digitization is very reinforcing. It will be self-evident and therefore not a particular topic. Especially Cloud Computing enables non-disruptive process due to the minimal capital outlay.

Intelligent networking in the bathroom and kitchen

New ideas can be implemented quickly, such as the fittings manufacturer Dornbracht. With the intelligent networking of its installations in the bathroom and kitchen is a new quality of service, which also optimizes water consumption, energy saving and so protect the environment. This small-scale, more individual production is possible. Perhaps it is also a produced in 3D printers car which consists of few parts, even thinkable.

SOA again at a premium

For Thomas Stocker, IT needs to play to structural models such as service-oriented architecture in the face of these changes. The Vice President of Business Development at the business and IT consulting NTT Data sees a way to be able to offer modular services. In his opinion, the innovation cycles will shorten. Until now, the IT was built to last with cycles of five or more years - today they are often between six months and one year. IT vendors and service falls here on the role to equip the corporate IT requirements for a digital world. In addition, digitization is a necessary reason for the renovation of many companies.

Problems with the manufacturers, sees Patrick Quellmalz from IT user association VOICE. Often they could not provide suitable products for the digital transformation. So would, for example, in the manufacturing industry one of the largest equipment fit and not so provide the facilities available, as would be necessary in an industrial environment 4.0. In addition, vendors selling their solutions often directly in the department. The IT then came to the role that this "zoo" after recapture.

Conclusion: From the digitizing party no one will be spared

The discussion ended with an appeal to the user companies to finally take seriously the digital transformation. She comes inevitable and brings great changes. Now you should rethink current business models and to ensure a flexible base of the IT architecture. In agreement both the representatives of IT vendors and the user that they can master the carried out of the transformation challenges, such as semantic integration or the much higher safety requirements only jointly. Or, to put it briefly: it is a digitization Party that spares no one.