This week in process excellence
Digital transformation is changing the course of process excellence.
Traditionally, methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma and Total Quality Management (TQM) were what helped organizations streamline operations, reduce waste and improve customer satisfaction – all in the pursuit of process enhancements.
While these concepts and methods still hold value, it is digital tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT) and robotic process automation (RPA) that are reshaping how businesses approach process excellence today.
This week, operational excellence (OPEX) and digital transformation expert Nikhil Pal explored the four key ways digital transformation is revolutionizing process improvement. These are data-driven decision-making, the rise of automation and AI, smart factories and industry 4.0 and digital enhancements to Lean and Six Sigma. He also examined the challenges organizations face in pursuing digital transformation and shared practical examples of leveraging technology to achieve new opportunities in process excellence.
Digital transformation was a key theme across our news coverage too. Atlassian Williams Racing, the Formula 1 team, revealed it is accelerating its digital transformation strategy in its pursuit of future World Championship success. In a new partnership with global technology consulting and service company Brillio , Williams will harness cutting-edge technologies to unleash potential and enhance performance both on and off the track.
Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) showed how digital transformation is playing a key role in critical peacekeeping operations. Data provides peacekeepers with critical insights into the impact their work is having, letting them more safely and effectively advance peace and security goals for the communities they serve. This is playing out in the UN’s peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), where investments in digital tools are having a tangible impact on decision-making and targeted conflict prevention measures in the wake of devastating floods last year.
What’s more, 喜力 reached a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey by opening its first global generative AI lab to drive digital innovation across business operations. Established in collaboration with AI Singapore , the initiative aims to transform how generative AI enhances growth, productivity and customer engagement as HEINEKEN seeks to become the world’s “best-connected” brewer. The lab will lead the development of advanced, scalable generative AI solutions across critical business areas, including sophisticated agentic systems that can autonomously solve complex problems. By the end of 2025, the lab aims to assemble a highly specialized full-time team of experts that will integrate HEINEKEN’s digital and technology specialists with talent recruited from AI Singapore.
Digital transformation is so much more than a buzz term – it is an increasingly prominent element of modern process excellence. That’s why we’re excited to be hosting All Access: Business Transformation 2025, taking place on May 6. Join us to explore trends shaping the future of business and learn how to integrate cutting-edge technology that drives real value.
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