KPMG India Point of View: The Connected Enterprise- A World of Possibilities

Technologies such as artificial intelligence, cognitive deep learning, autonomous machines and big data analytics are today enabling companies to make the leap to smart, data-driven flexible, agile and connected operations. While digital transformation is need of the hour, it is completely impossible to achieve this without high speed, high bandwidth, secure and ultra-low latency network connectivity.

The next-generation network is here. 5G, edge computing and cloud are opening up the world in new and unexpected ways, connecting consumers and enterprises as never before.

It is in this context that we present to you KPMG in India’s Point of View titled - The Connected Enterprise- A world of possibilities. The point of view outlines the contours of a connected enterprise, key capabilities, enablers and benefits and details out how companies can look to build a successful connected enterprise. It also delves deeper into the opportunities telcos (Telcom service providers) have in the connected world and how they can play a bigger role in not only enabling the transformation through connectivity but also becoming a strategic technology partner for enterprises.

Below are some of the key highlights of the point of view :

• Rise of Connected Enterprise

• Organisations must focus on digitally interconnecting the efforts of the front, middle, and back-office and create a connected enterprise aligned with strategic objectives and the brand promise and customer expectations. This means breaking down silos to become a customer-centric, digitally-enabled business truly engineered for profitable growth.

• Technology convergence in a Connected Enterprise

• A connected enterprise ideally would mean multiple smart devices and components working in various capacities to track critical parameters, engage in the machine to machine communication and broadcast signals all in real-time
• Next-generation models will need a technology convergence where emerging technologies need to work towards delivering a connected enterprise.  This will ensure synergized usage of digital capabilities in a mutually complementary manner to enhance value unlock.

• Building blocks for a typical Connected Enterprise?

• From a vantage point, Connected Enterprise may appear as an over-arching theme, where front, middle and back offices of the enterprise are connected by a mesh of digital fabric. However, to be able to achieve such a state, an enterprise must be digitally connected at four sub-layers. These include having connected components, processes functions and enterprise.

• Realising Connected Enterprises in different industries

Manufacturing

• Manufacturing is one of the sectors where connected technologies are expected to create the biggest impact
• Adaptive and additive manufacturing coupled with AI and deep learning, 5G network and edge computing can enable industries to realize the dream of the connected enterprise in this sector.

Energy and Natural Resources

• Due to the nature of work, upstream activities in the sector are usually driven from remote areas far away from robust connectivity. Also due to limitation in the transmission of sensor data and processing at offshore sites, connected capability can only be achieved through high speed, ultra-low latency, high bandwidth network along with AI near the source of data generation
• The combination of 5G and AI enabled edge computing along with cognitive deep learning could help bridge the connectivity gap in this sector.

Transportation  

• Transportation and logistics form the intrinsic part of the value chain for almost all the industries. Key barriers for a connected ecosystem in this sector includes poor connectivity, high latency, and poor bandwidth for transmitting high volume data points
• 5G connectivity can go a long way in enabling transmission of high volumes of data in near real-time in this sector
• In a hyperconnected transportation chain, autonomous delivery bots can communicate with a variety of public and private infrastructure in real time.

• Role of Telco in Connected Enterprise
• The connected ecosystem offers more opportunities for telcos than just provide fixed or wireless connectivity.
• Conventionally telcos have been considered as an enabler in the connected ecosystem, but now they can emerge as a partner in the pursuit.
• Large variety of use cases are expected to evolve by leveraging 5G connectivity, emerging technologies and engaging multiple skillsets, that reveals a potential global market of ~ USD 300 Bn with an average CAGR of 25 per cent per sector.

Sharing his views, Purushothaman KG, Partner, KPMG in India said “ Emerging technologies are reshaping businesses and have emerged as a key disruptor. New digital technologies are redefining the business models. 5G for the Industry 4.0 use cases are not only going to be an enabler but a key disruptor. Connected enterprise is the future and would help in accelerating business growth and business outcomes. The roles of telcos and ecosystem partners are already transforming and enterprises will hugely benefit from this disruptive change."

To sum up, beyond just an enabler of connectivity, the future value of telecom lies in providing value oriented services and customized experiences, leading to innovative operating, service and delivery models.