In line with global developments happening in the space of Internet of Things (IoT) and concepts around Connected Car – CBIT, world’s leading Business IT and ICT trade fair, concluded day two of its first edition in Bangalore, India, where the above technologies won the hearts and minds of the attendees.
The events of the day centered around the main theme of ‘Internet of Things’ and how it can enable a more convenient, accessible and inclusive approach to technology in various verticals with a special focus on Automotive (Connected Cars) and BFSI sectors.
Speaking at the event, Mehul Lanvers-Shah, Managing Director, Hannover Fairs India Pvt Ltd. said: “The last few decades have testified the major leaps that can take place in productivity, efficiency and accessibility in various verticals by the power of technology. New technology innovations such as cloud, mobility and most recently the Internet of Things are next in line and will take businesses as they exist further ahead in these three areas. Today’s discussions were centered around how these technologies can be leveraged for business of various verticals and help address the challenges associated with them.”
Dr. Omkar Rai, Director General, STPI said “Events like CeBIT are essential for the MSME sector to showcase their unique strengths to an international audience and to encourage creation of indigenous products. There is a need to showcase these companies in the global market, which will eventually create opportunities for the start-ups to get patronization from foreign investors.”
IT as an enabler for the Automotive industry
The events of the day culminated with a keynote session from Helmut Schutt, Chief Information Officer, Daimler Trucks, Buses and Vans who outlined the role of technology in meeting the challenges in the autmotive industry. A panel discussion was organised that centered around the topic of the ‘Connected Car’ and issues surrounding its implementation, the participants of which included the likes of Manu Saale, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India Pvt. Ltd, Dr. Timothy A. Leverton, Head – Advanced Product Engineering, Tata Motors, Norbert Schroeder, Head of VW – Electric/Electronic, Technical Development, Volkswagen, Sirish Batchu, Head – Infotronics Technology & Advance Electronics – Automotive & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra.
Speaking at the panel discussion Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Connectivity (in the automative industry) is just at the tip of the iceberg at the present moment. There is still a long way to go. However, it must be said that the boundaries that exist today are being pushed in this space. For instance, cars such as the S-Class exist that allow drivers a short distraction from driving with features such as collision avoidance.”
Eliminating Financial Exclusivity with Technology
A second set of sessions were centered on the topic of financial inclusion and how technology can help India in this direction. A panel discussion was conducted on ‘Achieving 7.5 crore bank accounts – how technology can help’ and included Manoj Kumar Nambiar, Managing Director, Arohan Financial Services (P) Limited, Shakti Saran, Associate Director & Business Development Executive, Banking & Financial Services, India/South Asia – IBM, Vineet Rai – CMD – Aavishkaar Group, Suresh Sethi – Business Head – M-Pesa, Vodafone India, Anup Nair, Senior Manager – Aadhar Enabled Payments and Mani Mamallan, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director of Electronic Payment and Services Pvt. Ltd. The discussion touched upon how the PMs Jan Dhan Yojana campaign can be better enabled with technology to eliminate financial exclusivity on all fronts.
Among the many interesting discussion points exchanged, Manoj Kumar Nambiar, Managing Director, Arohan Financial Services (P) Limited said: “We mainly talk about Financial Inclusion. But we need to also talk about financial exclusion. For a country that is talking about big things, this is one of the basic things we need to achieve.”
The WE between Business and Technology
A keynote session on the the power of WeCommerce as the future of IT in business was delivered by Mark McDonald, MD, Accenture. He spoke about the ‘we’ approach that is required for businesses in order to be able to add value for their customers or end consumers. He said, “We requires creating a common context and understand across an organisation by: putting outcomes ahead of processes, embracing digital diversity and transforming infrastructure into platforms.”
During a thought leadership session on Enabling Solutions for a Ready Business, Naveen Chopra, Director –Vodafone Business Services, said “Vodafone’s enterprise arm – Vodafone Business Services (VBS) is helping businesses become confidently connected by leveraging global expertise and knowledge of local markets. As India’s leading Telecommunications service provider, we have been making businesses ready to address changing customer demands, create better operational agility, as well as a connected & more productive workforce. Our clients span across diverse industry sectors, such as Automobiles, Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Financial Services and Information Technology. Our global network reach complemented by the width and depth of our network coverage in India enables us orchestrate innovative and cost-effective solutions for not just large corporates, but also medium- sized businesses. We are also keenly engaged with the Govt. & Public Sector and believe that Telecommunications solutions will be key building blocks to the Government’s Digital India vision.”
IBM hosted two key panels on key industry growth areas ; one on “Cloud Computing for MSMEs” with Vamsi Mudiam, Country manager, Cloud Solutions IBM ISA focused on opportunities for MSMEs to leverage cloud for their businesses. Another panel on “Big Data- building data strategy to stay competitive” with Suhas Bhide, General Manager, Global Delivery – IBM India focused on Data Strategies for businesses to build competitive advantage. An important panel on Banking and Financial sector dwelt on the key challenges to drive financial inclusion and role of technologies in helping bridge the gap aligned to the larger roadmap of the Govt’s Digital India program.
