The digital acceleration
In part four of our series exploring a Post-Pandemic World, we look ahead to the anticipated acceleration in digital, remote and low-touch solutions
So far in our Post-Pandemic World series, we’ve looked at the different consumer trends and habits we can expect during life after COVID-19. And also how brands and producers can innovate and differentiate their products in the next normal. But what about the long-term impact on the way food and beverage companies operate? Has COVID-19 changed the business landscape forever? And are we heading into an era where traditional work models can no longer survive?
Going further online
As soon as the coronavirus pandemic hit, millions of people around the world turned to more digital and low-touch solutions. From online food shopping and videoconferencing to telemedicine and remote education, the adoption of online activities was immediate and necessary to continue working, learning, entertaining, procuring daily essentials and connecting with others.
And as the world emerges from its shutdown, with physical restrictions gradually lifting, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the majority of consumers and companies are unlikely to simply revert back to their old ways of living and working.
According to research from security solutions provider Pulse Secure, 84% of organisations expect a broader and more permanent adoption of remote work after COVID-19. And according to insights from consultants McKinsey, the COVID-19 crisis is likely to significantly accelerate the shift to digital and fundamentally shake up the business landscape.
Even before the pandemic, McKinsey found that 92% of companies thought their business models would need to change given digitalisation. Today, the crisis has exposed just how vulnerable many businesses are with the only option now to radically accelerate their digital transformation.
A time for transformation
As we saw in our Keeping the Chain Going series, many producers and manufacturers have simply been unable to operate as normal during the crisis. The majority of daily and physical interactions with customers and employees have had to take place virtually, while remote solutions and services have been increasingly called upon. But for businesses that have already embraced digital transformation, this digital reality won’t have come as a shock. In fact, they’ve been in a position to not only weather the storm, but perhaps emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.
It’s clear that for those companies that have been slow in their digital transformation, now is the time to step up or double down on their efforts. Because given how quickly the business landscape is now changing, waiting to see signs of recovery may be too late. Put simply, producers and manufacturers that embrace digital solutions quicker will be better equipped to recover faster and be prepared for any future disruptions in their operations and supply chains.
Strong and resilient
Long before the pandemic, providing digital solutions and remote services has been a key priority for SIG. In our Co-Creating the Future series, for example, we explored the new era of opportunities awaiting manufacturers through digital transformation. And with our Smart Factory and Connected Pack solutions, we’ve been enabling our customers to seize these opportunities to reach new levels of efficiency, productivity and agility in their business.
During COVID-19, with severe travel restrictions and social distancing in place, our digital solutions like Plant 360 Asset Management and Remote Services have become more valuable than ever. Via video-enabled smart glasses, Remote Services allow you to digitally connect to an SIG service technician from anywhere in the world, gaining expert guidance over a secure live-feed. Plant 360 Asset Management, meanwhile, is a digital solution designed to improve filling line availability and reliability in real time while controlling costs.
Other digital services from SIG include virtual training and virtual commissioning of systems using smart glasses and video conferencing solutions amongst others. And it’s solutions like these that will enable us to continue delivering vital support in improving operational efficiency and boosting plant performance – all while observing ongoing health and safety requirements.
So no matter what challenges and disruptions may hit the food and beverage industry in the future, SIG can help you be prepared with intelligent digital solutions and remote services that secure long-term agility and resilience.
From digital to responsible
In part five of our Post-Pandemic World series, we’ll look beyond the digital acceleration of the industry to another key long-term impact of COVID-19 – a growing demand for food and beverage companies to adopt more responsible, sustainable and socially-caring practices.
- July 23, 2020