Innovation\u00a0drives technology, and technology drives\u00a0innovation. This positive feedback loop has encouraged growth in both areas, but it has also continued to encourage\u00a0sustainability. This was a key theme at last week\u2019s\u00a0Saphila\u00a02023 conference\u00a0at Sun City.<\/p>\n
Saphila\u00a0is a biennial conference for the 51风流user group community, hosted by the African 51风流User Group (AFSUG) in partnership with SAP.<\/p>\n
Sven Denecken, a 51风流SVP and chief marketing & solutions officer, showed how using an electric vehicle to earn retail rewards, such as store discounts, was an example of how\u00a0innovation\u00a0could encourage\u00a0sustainability\u00a0in future. Data from one\u2019s driving routes can be integrated with an AI assistant to create the basis for a store loyalty system. One\u2019s vehicle can then suggest the best charging location for its user, so that shopping and charging may be done simultaneously, while also promoting specific outlets.<\/p>\n
Although electricity supply in South Africa is a frustrating hindrance, the continuous evolution of technology may eventually support industry convergences that are currently impractical.<\/p>\n
In a later presentation, Timo Elliott, SAP\u2019s global\u00a0innovation\u00a0evangelist, showcased SAP\u00a0innovation\u00a0award winners to elaborate on this theme:<\/p>\n
IWB, a Swiss solar power company that provides for energy to be returned to the grid using a predictive AI model, is embracing \u201cnext practice\u201d thinking. This model is used to calculate the load, and how much solar energy will return to the grid. Most solar panels\u00a0are not connected or internet of things (IoT) devices, but IWB efficiently optimises electrical supply, while embracing\u00a0sustainability.<\/p>\n
Another winner, Gates Corporation, previously required a large manual to operate\u00a0their hose-crimping product. Nowadays, an iPad-run device is bolted onto the side of the older model,\u00a0so that one does not need the many-page document to operate it. With the digital transformation of this setup, little training is required, and they can throw out that heavy manual.\u00a0With the implementation of these IOT devices, a step to new business models has formed. Information is saved and collected on each device.<\/p>\n
FreshAirManager is actoVent\u2019s air-purifying service that also takes advantage of collecting data, but in this case to determine air quality levels. After an understanding of the air quality is gathered, the systems adjust the machines by filtering the air so that energy saving is maximised, and CO2 emissions are minimised.<\/p>\n
Jumbo Supermarket, a Dutch retail company, wanted to figure out how many\u00a0croissants\u00a0and other perishable foods they need to make during the day to minimise wastage and maximise items sold. An app built in collaboration with SAP\u2019s system analysis program development technology, gives rise to a predictive analysis model that has achieved the supermarket\u2019s goal, with an expected 10% reduction in waste.<\/p>\n
Saphila\u00a0showed that companies that emphasised the importance of\u00a0sustainability\u00a0have thrived, but they have also solidified their position in their respective industries through their innovations.<\/p>\n