Enterprises turn to cloud for cost-effective automation

A growing number of enterprises in Thailand and other Asean countries have turned to automation, analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital tools to expand their business, according to Helen Masters, Infor’s senior vice president for Asia Pacific.

At the recent Asia Pacific Partner Summit 2019 in Phuket, attended by more than 80 partners, Masters said customers at present do not have to invest heavily upfront when using the cloud-based computing service on a subscription basis for the latest generation of industry-specific enterprise software.

As a result, digital transformation is now more cost-effective, especially for mid-sized companies, as there is no need for big IT and hardware investment.

In Thailand, she said, Infor recently gained more than 10 new customers, as the country gears up towards Industry 4.0 and more enterprises turn to automation to grow their business.

Fashion, food and beverage, dairy products, electronics, logistics, and automotive industries are the leading sectors transforming their enterprises digitally.

Besides Thailand, the US-based enterprise software firm, has seen high growth in Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, said Masters, adding that Infor is strong in industry-specific solutions that help drive cost down while boosting productivity and profitability.

Enterprises can also launch new products and services faster using cloud-based computing facilities, leading to more business opportunities, better customer satisfaction and increased competitiveness.

Masters, who is also responsible for customers in China, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand, said there has been a massive move to cloud-based services in multiple markets, especially for micro-vertical solutions in food and beverage, automotive, logistic, and high-tech manufacturing sectors.

According to the executive, these industries are driving down cost by using more robots and automation systems while moving routine workers to more value-added jobs.

Infor has also introduced its Coleman AI and analytic tools to customers for preventive maintenance of machines and other tasks.

For chief financial officers (CFOs), the firm has unveiled a new digital assistant that can access real- time sales and other crucial data on a computer dashboard anywhere anytime on desktop or mobile devices.

In addition, there will be a new feature shortly, allowing CFOs to use a voice command to access the real-time data.

Another example is the use of drones in New Zealand to inspect crucial infrastructure such as pipelines, roads and bridges for maintenance and safety purposes.

For logistics and transportation, she said delivery trucks and warehouse forklifts are now connected, so they can perform more efficiently as part of warehouse and logistic automation. Internet of Things (IoT) and connected machines are also new features for manufacturing and other industries. Masters cited a major customer in China as an example. 

The customer’s massive printing facilities, which serve the packaging industry and needed over 16,000 workers, are now automated with the latest software to boost productivity and business competitiveness.

Other customers include VT Garment Group, which is a major producer for fashion labels such as Brooks and Victoria’s Secret, with factories in Thailand and other countries.