The top three technologies that will influence or disrupt our industry in 2021 are computer and machine vision , intelligent automation including robotics and Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) and prescriptive analytics . forces , vendors and partners can achieve far more than they can separately .
What are the latest trends you see emerging across the channel ?
Experience shows that channel partners that have best been able to withstand COVID-19 have been those that have responded swiftly and adequately to the evolving situation . For example , Zebra has been focusing on communications to maintain our partner relationships , shifting from face-to-face meetings to virtual experiences , including training . By quickly and seamlessly shifting to a virtual format for partner training , events and communication , it has been easier to sustain a strong channel programme to the benefit of partners and customers .
Disruptive events , whether natural , digital , economic , public health or any other , are a given . Organisations alike must be sufficiently prepared to adapt business activities so when disaster strikes , they can effectively help partners to adapt their businesses to develop and add value to customers . In this regard , Zebra ’ s channel programme is constantly evolving . COVID-19 has provided an opportunity for vendors such as Zebra and partners to test the resilience of the channel ecosystem as everyone pivoted to a working from home ( WFM ) model .
What is your management philosophy ?
My focus is based on a strategic leadership philosophy which gives the team a clear direction of their roles and responsibilities to produce maximum efficiency . It is also key for me to have a democratic and inclusive team approach . Coming back to what I said earlier , we are in a changing world and transformation in a successful future is also very important and demands a high level of team effort and engagement .
When you look back at your career , what has been the most memorable achievements ?
I look back to a lot of interesting and memorable achievements such as major projects won , I grew an alliance from scratch and built a strong partner landscape . But the most memorable achievement was a successful transition to Zebra ’ s new distribution structure , with an optimised geographical coverage and positive changes in how to engage .
What do you think will be the hot technology talking point of 2021 ?
While the COVID-19 pandemic has strained operations across various industries and will continue to do so this year , it has also been a catalyst to accelerate key technology developments that can help companies succeed in 2021 and beyond . The ability to integrate new technology solutions to maintain operations and profitability , as well as optimise workflows to support continual peak demand and supply chain disruption is and will continue to be key .
The top three technologies that will influence or disrupt our industry in 2021 are computer and machine vision , intelligent automation including robotics and Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) and prescriptive analytics .
All three of these technology areas relate and depend on one another to realise value . Companies can visualise their operations better through both real-time data e . g ., computer vision , as well as source system data e . g ., enterprise resource planning ( ERP ) systems . They can turn that enhanced visibility into intelligence to drive automated decisions to the front line , enabling them to take better actions resulting from the combined value of these technologies .
What are your personal interests and where do you like to spend most of your time after work ?
First of all , I ’ m a family guy and I absolute enjoy spending my time after work with my wife and kids . I practice a lot of sports such as mountain biking , running and having long walks with the dog to get a clear brain . Before the pandemic we enjoyed travelling and I ’ m looking forward to getting back to a kind of normal – travelling around , meeting people and enjoying time together . •
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