IoT is a critical component of digital transformation – a main driver for digital transformation is the need to modernize operations to keep pace with the growing expectations of customers, employees, stakeholders and partners. IoT is key to increasing speed and efficiency, which helps businesses meet those needs.

Pipeline: How have you seen IoT being used
to modernize operations?

Fassati: IoT sensors are an excellent example of how the technology is streamlining efficiency and modernizing operations for enterprises across industries. These sensors can be integrated into anything from a machine in a retail production line to a transport fleet. IoT sensors track data in real time, sending alerts about issues before they become critical. This allows key personnel to take preventive measures to avoid equipment breakdown, limiting downtime for repairs.

Pipeline: In which industries do you see the most digital transformation or IoT innovation?

Fassati: Businesses in every industry are introducing new solutions to enable digital transformation. In particular, healthcare presents interesting use cases, as infrastructure across the industry evolves to keep pace with the technological advancements in the field.  Fast, agile and secure systems can connect patients to doctors in ways we’ve never imagined. Digital initiatives will revolutionize such progressive solutions as remote patient monitoring, remote care and rehabilitation, telemedicine and even remote robotic surgery.

Pipeline: What advice do you have for CIOs as they plan their digital transformation strategy?

Fassati: Every CIO is going to have a different plan that best meets the needs of their business and aligns with their capabilities and the needs of employees and customers. While these specific details will be unique to each enterprise, it’s crucial when planning and implementing a digital transformation strategy that the CIO understands a transformation will cause disruption to every aspect of the business. Understanding, preparing for and communicating this across the C-suite and the entire business will create a smoother transition as changes are rolled out.

Pipeline: What do you think is the primary reason some digital transformations fail?

Fassati: There are many reasons a digital transformation effort many not succeed. Having said that, a key pitfall that will cause a program to fail – if left unaddressed – is lack of talent. Transformation initiatives often center on such next-gen technologies as cloud, big data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning. However, in order to use these solutions, businesses need skilled employees who are trained on, and knowledgeable in, these technologies in order to successfully deploy them. Businesses that lack the resources to hire or retrain their workers are unlikely to reach their transformation goals.

IoT as a game changer

There's no question that digital transformation is affecting nearly every enterprise. But IoT is changing the game by adding intelligence to devices that can be remotely monitored and even acted upon. It's another tool in the enterprise toolbox which can provide rich information to better – and more efficiently – run operations and serve customers.

Like any tool, workers need to be trained to use it. But IoT is unique in that it can impact nearly every part of enterprise operations. A clear strategy is needed to ensure digital transformation occurs with minimal disruption and maximum benefit.

I want to thank Ludovico for sharing his insights and the findings from Vodafone's latest report. I look forward to being kept up-to-date with new IoT innovations coming from Vodafone, as it helps its customers continue to transform their businesses.