Delve into the realm of digital transformation, exploring its urgency, progress, obstacles, and potential solutions with insights from Oerlikon Thailand.

Michel Maeusli, Managing Director of Oerlikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a proud subsidiary of Oerlikon Balzers. Renowned globally as a premier supplier of surface technologies that significantly improve the performance and durability of precision components as well as tools for the metal and plastics processing industries. Gain valuable perspectives on the ongoing evolution of industries in the face of technological disruption

Embracing Urgency for Change

The impact of COVID-19 has underscored that true transformation arises from disruption, rather than mere technological or political shifts. The pace of transformation is steered by external forces, compelling individuals and companies to proactively embrace change or inevitably succumb to it. The urgency for change is unequivocal. Delaying transformation risks falling behind stakeholders, as the gap widens amidst continuous disruptions. For organizations, digitalization offers efficiency, expedites time-to-market, and fosters adaptability.

Industry Progress in Digital Evolution

Industry 4.0 is gradually unfolding, characterized by machine interconnectivity and digital commercial services. However, comprehensive end-to-end digitalization remains a distant goal, requiring substantial investments and enhanced understanding to harness the full potential of such technologies. Each industry exhibits distinct stages of digital progress. A prominent leap is witnessed in the form of customer platforms, with organizations revamping how they digitally engage with customers. Basic ordering platforms have become a common implementation.

Overcoming Obstacles and Sustaining Support

The road to digital transformation is not without hurdles. Internally, challenges encompass the availability of skilled personnel, cost feasibility, and the evaluation of digital solutions capable of accommodating the intricacies of operations within dynamic structures and environments. Singular solutions fall short of addressing multifaceted organizational needs. Resistance to change, both internally and externally, poses a significant hurdle. Some individuals cling to familiar methods, safeguarding existing tasks even if they prove arduous. Government-led digitalization initiatives, although voluntary in nature, often fall short of widespread adoption.

Oerlikon's Forward-Thinking Approach

Oerlikon demonstrates a proactive commitment to digitalization. The company has established a dedicated Digital Hub, devoted to pioneering future digitalization endeavors. Under the Balzers Business Line, the "Balzers 4.0" initiative was launched in Q1 2019, signifying a strategic shift (pre-pandemic). This initiative spans the sales and service value chain, encompassing facets like digital customer platforms, live door-to-door order tracking, ToolID, digital sales forces employing Seismic and CAT apps, remote support featuring vSHARE, and digital capacity and batch planning. The essence is to provide global and regional execution support to drive localized digital advancements.

As industries navigate the complex landscape of digital transformation, insights from leaders like Oerlikon Thailand's Managing Director illuminate the journey ahead. With urgency, adaptability, and innovation as cornerstones, the path to an evolved and digitalized future continues to unfold.