KEY DIGITAL TRENDS SHAPING OUR FUTURE

#7: AUTONOMOUS OPERATIONS

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Today, we focus on the 7th trend:

Autonomous Operations: Shaping the Future with Touchless Processes

Autonomous operations refer to systems designed to perform tasks with minimal or no human intervention, powered by technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and robotics. These systems automate processes, make decisions, and even learn from their experiences. Think of transactional processes, like ordering a product or processing an invoice, being fully automated. Or consider autonomous vehicles and machines operating independently. For example, digital twins—digital replicas of real-world systems—are used to innovate, test, and optimize processes efficiently.

In the next five years, advancements in autonomous operations are expected to significantly improve business efficiency and reduce errors. Autonomous machines, while advancing, still face hurdles in large-scale deployment, particularly due to legislative challenges. However, the potential of these technologies to revolutionize work and life is clear.

Companies across sectors are embracing autonomous operations at large scale:

• Many companies have developed Digital Twins of Supply Chain, to effectively model, predict and optimize operations. Examples of Digital Twins can be found at Procter & Gamble, Shell and many other large companies.
• Unilever has developed a "People Data Center," leveraging consumer and shopper data to understand trends and drive innovation and product development.
• Tesla is well-known for its self-driving vehicles, which can navigate, park, and even summon themselves autonomously.
• Adyen, a global payments platform, uses AI to monitor and enhance the security of transactions, streamlining payment processes with minimal human oversight.
• And also at 喜力 , we utilizes Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in shared service centers to automate repetitive tasks and employs image recognition for planogram compliance. The company is also expanding its use of Digital Assistants and ChatBots powered by Generative AI (GenAI).

Autonomous Operations uses various underlying technologies

1. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) automates repetitive, rule-based tasks like data entry, speeding up processes and minimizing errors.
2. Hyper-Automation combines AI, machine learning, and software to automate at scale, beyond individual tasks.
3. AI and Machine Learning (ML) allow systems to learn, predict, and optimize processes, forming the brain of autonomous systems.
4. GenAI enhances efficiencies by converting static data into actionable knowledge.
5. Image Recognition is crucial for autonomous vehicles, enabling real-time interpretation of visual data for navigation, but also highly valuable in production and commerce areas
6. IoT devices collect data from various (machine) sources, feeding real-time insights into autonomous systems.
7. Edge Computing ensures fast, localized data processing, critical for time-sensitive operations like autonomous driving.
8. Blockchain offers secure, transparent transaction recording, essential in autonomous environments where security or anonymity are required combined with validations

As AI, machine learning, and robotics continue to evolve, the vast amounts of data available today are driving the future of independent machine operation. Autonomous operations should be central to any digital strategy, boosting productivity while simplifying user experiences in an increasingly complex world.

At HEINEKEN, “Simplification & Automation” is a key pillar of our digital transformation; it is driving significant productivity gains, whilst simplifying that increasing complex tasks of our employees and customers. Autonomous Operations helps HEINEKEN to becoming the best-connected brewer.

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