Industries need tech-enabler to endure competition - IBM

CEBU, Philippines - Without employing the help of technology enabler, there is no way that industries will survive in today’s tougher competition in business, this is the message emphasized by technology experts of IBM to the two critical sectors in Cebu, the manufacturing and retail.

In its bid to help these two focused sectors achieve growth and transportation, IBM recently introduced its “Smarter Computing” strategy to players in the retail and manufacturing sectors in Cebu, helping these industries compete in the age of “digital competition.”

Raymond Moy, retail industry manager for IBM ASEAN, said that the game now in order to attract consumers is through adopting intellegent technologies that will provide personal data of consumers.

“Today, consumers are smarter. They expect a lot of flexibility from retailers. The future is consumers’ self-centered demand—‘All about Me’; ‘Serve Me’; ‘Listen to Me’,” said Moy emphasizing that a retailer can only perform and achieve these demands if they were to use the “Smarter Technology,” such as those developed by IBM.

Retail industry according to Moy is experiencing significant growth especially in the Philippines, mainly due to rapid urbanization happening in the country.

“The last two years have seen many retailers around the globe trim their sails, canceling or delaying much-needed investments. As the first glimmers of recovery have started to appear and economic strength returns, retailers will begin to recognize the current moment for what it is—a once-in-a-generation opportunity to take share and achieve new growth,” Moy said.

To do so, retailers are advised to provide consumers what they demand—a seamless shopping experience that delivers the merchandise they want, where they want it at a price they are willing to pay.

In the manufacturing side, of which Cebu is known for, whether for exports and local consumption, there is a need for players to be at par with the world’s operational system, and smarter technology-enabler should be adopted.

Randy Sng, IBM ASEAN manager for Manufacturing Industry, emphasized the three vital actions that manufacturers should focus, otherwise they will miss the opportunity of competing with the rest of the world.

Sng said effective productivity in doing more in less should be strictly implemented, serious cost reduction strategy is crucial, and product safety and sustained availability of products.

Manufacturers should be able to gather relevant information to make “smarter” decision in their respective business. What will help them nowadays is employing smarter technologies to fight with the competition. (FREEMAN)