Many companies in Germany have for years now lived through a time of upheaval, affecting both structures and processes that have evolved over decades: digital transformation. This change often poses major challenges because existing business models and working methods are put to the test –within a very short timeframe at that, since digitalisation is taking giant strides. So companies may quickly be left behind.
For the first time, the strategy and management consultants Infront Consulting, together with the CAPITAL business magazine, have examined a total of 127 large enterprises from eight sectors in a study, checking how far the firms have come in terms of digital transformation. Evaluation of the most successful companies was based on questionnaires and depth interviews, and contained subject areas like organisation, culture, staff, innovation, data and customer experience.
Krones AG came second in the “Mechanical Engineering” category and is thus ranked among the champions of digital transformation. Digitalisation is one of the top priorities at Krones and has for years been a constituent part of its corporate strategy. More than 300 software engineers and IT specialists are working on digital innovations, with their number currently being increased. The company is looking for new specialists especially in this field. In organisational and strategic terms, digitalisation falls in the remit of Markus Tischer, Member of the Executive Board responsible for International Operations and Services.
“What’s involved in digitalisation is no longer just the development of individual solutions, such as Apps. Scrutinising its effects on and potentials for our business model also forms part of the transformation process here at Krones,” explains Markus Tischer and adds: “Digital solutions are instrumental in providing even more purposeful customer support along the entire lifecycles of our machines and lines. That makes them a crucial element of our core business.”
To keep pace with this change, Krones has also pooled digital developments in its own Ecosystem – The Krones.world portal will in future offer customers central access to Krones’ digital solutions. Furthermore as part of the transformation process, digital services have been located at the parent group, close to our core business.
“We are, of course, delighted to see that our strategy and the action we’ve taken has now been rewarded by this ranking. It is another proof that we are on the right track,” says Markus Tischer.
