Tag: predictive analytics

The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) used to be the rock star of the boardroom. The role determined how a company presented itself to the market. It also carried the authority of being the customer’s voice in an executive team dominated by finance and operations. The death of the CMO is now a growing concern.

The insurance industry is undergoing a transformation. It is shifting from broad, one-size-fits-all coverage models to niche solutions tailored to specific risks. The future of insurance lies in this movement toward specialised cover. It is being driven by emerging risks, evolving customer expectations and advancements in technology.

In recent years, corporate governance has become a hot topic following scandals like Steinhoff, Tongaat Hulett and many others. Despite increased attention, significant and material progress in improving governance practices across organisations remains alarmingly scarce.

In fleet management, determining the optimal vehicle replacement cycle is critical for operational efficiency, safety and costs. A poor decision impacts maintenance costs and cash flow. Advancements in telematics and leasing models are shifting practices.

I do not consider myself an early or late adopter of technology. I need the right nudges to start exploring. After trial, I enjoy playing and learning new applications. Recently, our business unit started exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to enhance strategy delivery.

We live in an era of unprecedented transformation. Artificial Intelligence is taking productivity and profits to new heights. Imagine cutting product development timelines in half. You could boost productivity by more than 20%. You could unlock entirely new revenue streams. AI can create hyper-personalised customer experiences.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to supercharge every aspect of business and society, South Africa stands at a critical juncture. Rather than fearing job displacement, we can harness AI to drive widespread growth and prosperity. By fostering local innovation, investing in AI education, and creating a conducive regulatory environment, we can empower citizens and businesses alike.

The pace of technology change keeps accelerating, not just in the manufacturing sector, but across industry sectors globally. Machines are faster, more powerful and more sophisticated than ever, and this trend shows no signs of easing off. However, for many reasons, South African industrial equipment and machinery (IM&E) manufacturers have been slow to adopt some of the latest technology, relying instead on old models. In doing so, they run the risk of falling behind their regional and global counterparts.

While the internal audit function has undergone significant transformation, the rapid pace of change is only set to accelerate in the foreseeable future. I shed some light on some key industry trends that have emerged, and the some key areas of transformation we can expect to see defining the sector over the next five years.

It’s time for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to recognise that using data and analytics is not as scary or expensive as they may think - and that the benefits can be significant.