IBM steps up push for 'Smarter Planet' strategy in PH

Technology bellwether IBM is accelerating its push for smarter industries in the country by organizing a recent industry symposium for local clients and business partners at the Shangri-La Makati Hotel. The one-day event showcased IBM’s ability to integrate industry solutions that assemble hardware, software and consulting services into one package. More importantly, clients were presented with insights and solutions that accelerate their ability to deliver return-on-investments. At the symposium, IBM’s industry point of views and industry expertise were showcased with focus on five industries including banking & financial markets, government, manufacturing, retail and CPG. Banking & financial markets •Banks will create shareholder value by investing in sophisticated insight to become client-centric, reduce complexity and optimize risk •Banks would need to build insight and sophistication to become client-centric and efficient in their operations and risk savvy in growing profit •Business intelligence and analytics and mobility are the two elements most frequently chosen by banking CIOs for use in visionary plans Government •Best practices needed for implementing effective programs with limited resources •Ultimate goal is to improve decision-making and elevate overall performance •Reduction in fraud and improper payments a necessity •Cross-government collaboration will lead to better outcomes Manufacturing •Drivers of operational efficiency are outsourcing, insourcing, ofshore, nearshore •Companies need to continuously improve the productivity and flexibility of global operations to leverage economies of scale, get supply chain visibility and have access to specialized service and skills •Product commoditization such as smartphones are driving service transformation and is the next most important business to business gadget Retail & CPG •Global retail marketplace is evolving rapidly •Retailers face fierce competition from other retailers, manufacturers, and from all selling directly to consumers •Retailers need to become customer-focused enterprises, providing consumers with a seamless shopping experience that delivers the merchandise they want, where they want it and at a price they are willing to pay “As the Philippine economy continues to regain equilibrium, leaders have to decide on how best to operate and thrive in the ‘new normal’ – velocity and volatility. Opportunities for these key industries to become smarter are vast and IBM is in a good position to support them," said Ireen Catane, country executive for general business at IBM Philippines. Through its Smarter Planet strategy, IBM is eyeing to assist companies, governments and cities infuse intelligence into the systems and processes that make the world work smarter— from power grids, buildings, and roadways to agriculture and waterways. — Newsbytes.ph