Digital transformation for the ecosystem

Andy Graham, solutions manager at SolutionsPT, shows why achieving true DX delivers benefits across the entire ecosystem.

We often talk about how digital transformation isn’t a one product solution, there is no magical single deployment that would offer a business a complete transformation because that’s impossible. A digital transformation journey is unique to every sector and every business within it, a successful transformation requires input and investment from all levels of the business to ensure the most value is delivered.

Digital transformation ecosystems work in the same way; at SolutionsPT we have the tools in-house to help implement almost any element of digital transformation and through our close working relationship with systems integrators and software and hardware vendors we can help build your ecosystem so that you can take a holistic, systems approach to your digital transformation journey.

Vendors, OEMs, and systems integrators are experts in their chosen fields, often at the forefront of the latest technology and their skills and experience should be brought in to advise enterprises on how to achieve their goals. This could be the addition of a new asset, new software, implementing a new product into an existing line, or upgrading legacy systems to modern standards with improved efficiency. Whatever the need, vendors, OEMs, and SIs can help, but with the addition of a digital transformation partner and an ecosystem approach, the value chain can become far greater than the sum of its parts. 

Digital transformation for all

Seeing the value for end users that advance in digital transformation is simple. They benefit from improved efficiency, reduced maintenance, and workforce optimisation that are easily quantified. Finding the value going the other way – the value to OEMs and SIs from designing or implementing DX for customers may take a few more questions. When an SI or OEM advances DX for their customer ecosystem, they should ask; “now that data is being utilised properly, how does impact our offering?”

For the OEM, what could be more valuable than in-situ usage data when it comes to designing new products? No longer would they rely on estimations or testing conditions, they would be able to see how the product performs under real industrial conditions. This information allows specialised OEMs to gain a deeper understanding of the actual conditions of their sector and essentially creates a viable case study that can be used to win more business in the future, as well as invaluable insight for product development.

The story for systems integrators does differ from OEMs as they often aren’t locked into specific sectors but there are similarities. As mentioned, systems integrators can be seen as the expert advisors, brought into a business that doesn’t have dedicated expertise to achieve the desired results. SIs are traditionally technology focused businesses, and when coupled with a digital transformation partner they can see the implications of the technology deployment throughout the enterprise, down to the smallest detail.

Having an enterprise-wide view is integral for future digital transformation journeys; moving beyond just product capabilities and delving into the business capabilities. Again, with this capability in the arsenal, systems integrators can deliver digital transformation that provides value throughout an enterprise, simplifying the entire process for the end user.

Joint effort

As we’ve often said, end users looking to digitally transform will require the input from multiple sources both within and outside of the business. By adding a digital transformation partner to an SI or OEM’s offering they can simplify this process.

Potential customers no longer have to do the leg work themselves and identify where to implement technology, approaching an OEM or SI with the statement “I would like to introduce a new line for my facility”, instead they can approach with the statement “I want to improve my offering, cut costs, and add new services for my customers”.

Instead of that example end user having to manage across multiple vendors an SI or OEM with a dedicated digital transformation partner can simply respond with “yes we can do that, and here’s how.” By joining your OEM or systems integrator business with SolutionsPT, you can be confident that all the expertise required is under one roof.

Digital transformation is a joint effort that covers many moving parts, by joining with SolutionsPT OEMs and SIs alike can further increase their value and seek new business with confidence no matter what questions arise. Customer ecosystems will continue to benefit while OEMs and SIs can carve out their portion of the digital transformation space.