Through digitisation, we can scale human capability to unprecedented levels. But how do we know that it’s working? Rebecca Edwards of Schneider Electric shares some findings from case studies.
May 2nd, 2019
Digital transformation is changing the way we live, work and play. It is pervasive – from our homes to entire cities; from our workplaces to industry; and from our communication devices to our mode of transportation. And we – both people and organisations – are benefiting from it considerably. More on the benefits later.
First, let’s look at two major areas of digitisation – energy management and automation.
Human life and progress on earth are heavily dependent on both energy and automation – making us more efficient, reliable, safe and sustainable. Through digitisation, we can scale human capability to unprecedented levels.
However, do we know that this transformation has humanity progressing along the right trajectory? Where are the tangible results of digitisation?
At Schneider Electric, we started looking for proof. The result is the Global Digital Transformation Benefits Report 2019 we recently published. We studied 230 digitisation projects implemented by our customers in 41 countries over the past five years using our EcoStruxure™ solutions and we found 330 quantifiable customer benefit data points.
Among the key findings of the report is the dismissal of the myth that digital transformation is an expensive upfront prospect. Our study shows that digitisation allows for faster and easier integration of systems and equipment. In addition, new data enables intelligent maintenance which, in turn, increases the longevity of assets.
And so, digital transformation drives significant savings in engineering costs and time optimisation – 35 per cent on average.
Wide Bay Water Corporation runs the state-of-the-art Nikenbah wastewater treatment plant in Queensland, Australia. Population growth and aging infrastructure were putting pressure on the corporation to expand and modernise its systems.
Turning to EcoStruxure™ to drive their digital transformation, the corporation could cut project costs. These savings were made possible by speeding engineering integration times by 20 per cent and shortening commissioning times by 25 per cent.
The report also uncovered evidence that digital transformation is helping businesses and organisations better manage OpEx. This is primarily through deep, real-time visibility into operational technology. Asset performance is key. Energy savings, foundational. Such intelligence, coupled with informed and timely actions, transforms productivity.
With a central dashboard, businesses can now easily locate and execute performance enhancements. The results here attest to these capabilities — Schneider Electric customers have reduced energy consumption by as much as 85 per cent.
Deep in the Mojave Desert, the United States, Edwards Air Force Base spans 470 square miles of rugged wilderness. Frequently buffeted by hurricane-strength winds and baked by extreme temperatures, the base, with its 19 runways, faced a daunting task in ensuring reliable power distribution.
The base installed EcoStruxure™ Power Monitoring Expert, a tool that offered moment-by-moment monitoring of energy use and performance. As a result, the base put into place programs that cut energy consumption by 18.1 per cent in the first year alone.
Digital transformation works – The Global Digital Transformation Benefits Report 2019 stands testament to that, offering more insights and proof. In this report, we have shared a total of 34 case studies, which include the two examples I have presented.
These case studies–supported by well-researched numbers around Capex, Opex, Business and Environmental efficiencies–offer a window into how digital transformation solves various challenges across industries.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
When iconic brands wield their influence, the ripples extend far beyond aesthetics. And so when the MillerKnoll collective formed, the very concept of design shifted, supercharging the industry’s aspiration to create a better world into an unwavering sense of responsibility to do so.
Available now across Australia, Eden TPO is setting new standards in terms of not just sustainability, but also style.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
The Australian Design Centre (ADC) this year celebrates 60 years! A series of events are coming up to mark the occasion.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.