Business News

Digital Transformation of B2B Commerce

Is your business ready? For manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers around the globe, ecommerce has become one of the key drivers for digital transformation and companies with a well-executed digital strategy are quickly becoming disrupters in their markets. In order to remain competitive, businesses need to be willing to adopt a new way of thinking and working – one that is digital-first. This approach embraces technological advances and puts digital at the core of all organisational initiatives, transforming key areas of the business, such as marketing, sales, customer service, external channels, operations, R&D and HR. Many companies underestimate the impact of an ecommerce venture, thinking of it as a channel operating in silo. In reality, it is the stepping stone to transforming into a digital business. With over 60% of B2B purchasing decisions being made online, the process of digital transformation is one that any company will have to prepare for. This starts with understanding the effects on different areas of the business. Marketing Marketing initiatives are no longer confined to traditional channels. A digital B2B firm needs to be able to market itself digitally. Marketers need to know how potential customers use the web to research and find what they are looking for. Sales With a digital platform for online ordering, a shift in the role of the sales department is inevitable. It is therefore important to monitor the impact and ensure the sales team can leverage on the efficiencies and opportunities of digital technologies throughout the sales process. Customer Service Online never sleeps. This can be a challenge, as businesses suddenly have to provide customer service around the clock. 80% of B2B customers expect responses in real-time.[i] As such, it is vital for a digital business to have tools, processes and people available to meet this expectation or risk […]

90-day trial period change concerning for manufacturers

The changes to the 90-day trial period announced by the Government will present additional challenges for medium sized manufacturers to finding the right staff they need, adding to the already critical skill shortage issues which hold back growth of the sector. “The 90-day trial periods have made it easier for manufacturers to bring on staff to fill skill shortages, knowing they have the ability to take a risk on a new worker. The proposed change will make it harder for companies to fill vacancies – the last thing they need right now.” says Mr Dieter Adam, CE, The Manufacturers’ Network. “At least we are still going to have the 90-day trial periods for companies under 20 employees, as for businesses of this size the risk and investment in bringing on a new staff member is very high. But the Government should have left these trial periods alone altogether.” he says. “If the Government is serious about growing the economy, it should focus its efforts on working with industry in addressing the short and longer-term skill shortages that are crippling the high-value manufacturing industry and many other sectors. These skill shortages are often in the area of highly skilled and experienced trade’s workers, with level 5 and 6 qualifications.” says Mr Adam.

Business and exporters applaud trade success

BusinessNZ and ExportNZ have welcomed the revival of the Comprehensive Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope said the agreement of all 11 partners to the agreement had been hard won, and was immensely worthwhile. “New Zealand is a trading nation that depends on successful exporting to maintain and grow our wealth. The terms of trade matter greatly to us. The CPTPP will reduce the tariff burden on our producers, allowing New Zealand and New Zealanders to earn more overseas, while growing jobs and businesses here at home,” Mr Hope said. Resolution of Canada’s objections to the CPTPP trade deal meant the agreement could be signed soon, ExportNZ Executive Director Catherine Beard said. “Exporters would like to acknowledge the outstanding work by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Trade Minister David Parker in helping to bring the deal through this last critical stage. “Also the steadfast work over many years by Trade Ministers Todd McClay and Tim Groser and the former Government which laid the platform for this success. “The bipartisan approach by both Governments to this important agreement has been a remarkable achievement.

Workforce robots on the horizon

Primary sector and manufacturing employees may find themselves with some interesting new colleagues in the next few years as researchers develop robots that can be trained to work alongside people in factories and the great outdoors. A two-year, $2m project funded by the Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge Board is examining how next-generation robots can work with humans in a safe and flexible manner. Researchers will focus on developing robots to work in small-scale manufacturing and unforgiving outdoor environments. Such technology could become a global specialty of New Zealand robotics businesses, with great export opportunities and long-term solutions for the country’s economic needs. The interdisciplinary research programme involves robotics experts from Lincoln Agritech and Scion, as well as researchers and PhD students from the universities of Auckland, Canterbury, Massey, Otago, Victoria and Waikato. The programme is laying the groundwork for follow-up projects over the next few years that will focus on making New Zealand a competitive country for the production and use of robots in small-scale, flexible manufacturing businesses and challenging environments such as those found in agriculture and forestry. “We will advance the science required for a new generation of industrial robotic solutions,” says Lincoln Agritech Group Manager in Precision Agriculture, Dr Armin Werner. “These robots can provide enormous benefits to the primary and manufacturing sectors. Both industries require fast adaptation to different products and markets, and constant responsiveness to changing outdoor environments. “The robots can assist with complex tasks such as pruning tree or vine crops, safely felling trees on steep slopes or assembling small batches of appliances on demand.” To develop the technology, researchers will investigate how sensors and artificial intelligence can allow robots to perceive and understand their surroundings, flexibly handle new situations through learning or training by humans or other robots, and work […]

Confidence increases as Kiwi exporters widen the net

71% of Kiwi exporters expect international orders to increase over next 12 months Over half (55%) have seen international orders increase over last 12 months Trade with the USA has increased, despite Trump Strength of competition biggest concern for exporters (42%) Help with R&D considered keyway NZ Government could assist Online orders and marketing still have a long way to go. The 2017 ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer shows Kiwi exporters are feeling confident and expecting orders to increase in the next twelve months. Optimism is very positive with 71% of New Zealand exporters expecting international orders to increase – this is a jump from 63% in 2016. The research shows that overall 2017 has been a good year, with just over half (55%) of exporters achieving an increase in international orders. While the survey was carried out prior to the NZ election, ongoing political support for the export environment will be crucial to ensure Kiwi businesses achieve the perceived upcoming boost to orders. Exporters responding to the survey cited several key ways in which assistance from the New Zealand Government could help their business. Research and development assistance came out top at 26%, closely followed by help attending trade shows with other NZ companies, and more free trade agreements (both 25%). The results show that trading with the USA has increased significantly over the past year, with more than half of Kiwi exporters sending orders to the USA and over half (55%) seeing the Trump administration as having a neutral impact on exports, while 41% thought it had a negative impact on exports. The fact that R&D has been flagged up as a key area for assistance is significant as more than half (52%) of exporters developed new products and services in a bid to boost export orders. Innovation can […]

Canterbury-based rehab innovators achieve international medical device certification

With a mission to bring comfort and functionality to people living with complex rehabilitation needs, Canterbury-based company Medifab, who design, manufacture and export specialist seating and disability equipment, have achieved ISO 13485:2016 certification – the internationally recognised standard that guides medical device manufacturers in implementing quality management systems to achieve industry distinction. Trusted and recognised by regulatory authorities across the world, ISO 13485 demonstrates a commitment and excellence to producing medical devices that meet rigorous safety, quality and efficacy standards: a certificate that most major markets require from medical manufacturers looking to sell products in their country. “We’re thrilled to attain the ISO 13485 certification,” explains Medifab’s Managing Director, Roger Mascull. “Now Medifab is globally compliant to the highest applicable industry standard, we can advance our global aspirations. The certificate offers peace of mind for local government healthcare procurement and gives us the licence to operate internationally.” The disciplines involved in attaining and maintaining this prized certification outcome has elevated Medifab’s processes, systems and procedures, which Roger says will continue to enhance the company’s developments. “We’re always committed to improving our products and processes. And now we have this certification, we can continue to shape better lives on a global scale. This is a huge achievement and is a credit to the dedication of everyone at Medifab.’” With the addition of ISO 13485 to its impressive list of ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications, Medifab’s commitment to quality, service and the environment is reinforced and places it as one of the highest quality manufacturing facilities in the whole of New Zealand. ‘We’ve been working very hard for the past 12 months to earn this certification. The whole company, from the engineers and production teams through to the sales and logistics teams, have demonstrated great collaboration and determination to achieve this certification […]

Virtual Reality Scene 7.1 for construction, design and forensics

Faro Scene 7.1 enables an immersive VR experience with integration of detailed photographic textures, i.e., surface details of an object and rendering of 3D scan data so quickly that it appears to be generated in real time. While Scene 7.1 is optimised for the Faro laser scanning product portfolio, e.g. FocusS or Freestyle, it is also device agnostic, so it can seamlessly accept and manage 3D scan data from other, non-FARO laser scanner products. Immersive Virtual Reality Scene 7.1 enables users to view an entire project, i.e., the full range of related scans in full 3D virtual reality through a compatible VR headset from the comfort of the user’s office or workstation chair. This significantly elevates the beneficial use and reduces project cycle time by enabling architecture, engineering and construction professionals, public safety forensics experts and product designers to quickly simulate and compare reality for such tasks as evaluating as-built documentation, reconstructing crime or accident scenes, or optimising design plans. Productivity Enhancements in Virtual Reality Scene 7.1 advances well beyond the “see it better to understand it better” concept common in most industrial VR solutions. It enhances productivity by enabling users to take/capture screenshots, tag comments or notes specific to images and navigate the system overview map in real time, all without needing to exit the Virtual Reality environment. Merging of Faro Terrestrial and Handheld Scanning Data Historically, Faro Focus and Freestyle products have had their own unique, coded targets (markers that identify scan areas/specific targets), which could not be shared by the other scanning device. With Scene 7.1 enhanced functionality, not only can both devices share coded targets, but they can also now verify registration of scans from both devices in a single, real time registration report. This ensures not only a more cohesive workflow between these devices but […]

Simcenter 3D advances computer-aided engineering and simulation

Siemens Simcenter 3D, is its flagship environment for multi-disciplinary computer-aided engineering (CAE), with new comprehensive solutions across multiple simulation disciplines. Simcenter 3D is an advanced stand-alone CAE application for analysts and discipline experts that works with data from any CAD source. Because it is built on the Siemens NXT platform, it also works seamlessly with NX CAD. With more enhancements than any previous release, Simcenter 3D, part of Siemens’s Simcenter portfolio of simulation and test solutions for predictive engineering analytics, looks to revolutionise how simulation engineers can help drive design direction in industries such as automotive, aerospace and industrial machinery. This latest release provides topology optimisation solutions that work seamlessly with Convergent Modeling technology to provide comprehensive generative design workflows. These solutions allow for more accurate motion modeling, and more efficient acoustic and structural dynamics simulations. Simcenter 3D now provides expanded support for general purpose nonlinear solutions based on the NX Nastran multi-step nonlinear solver as well as advanced analysis of composites based on LMS Samtech Samcef software. This latest release also delivers several enhancements to improve industry workflows across a wide range of industries, for modeling connections in large assemblies as well as accurate simulation of flexible pipes and hoses. Working seamlessly with NX CAD and Convergent Modeling technology, Simcenter 3D now offers generative design solutions for designers and advanced analysts. For the first time, output from a topology optimisation process can be utilised directly in the design process, without the need to recreate geometry. Furthermore, engineers can now work directly with scanned data or an optimised shape to conduct more detailed simulations to ensure performance. By using Simcenter 3D along with HEEDS software for design exploration automation, engineers are able to fully explore the design space and generate innovative designs that meet more stringent design requirements. New with […]

ARANZ Geo changes name to Seequent

ARANZ Geo is changing its name to Seequent. The name change and rebrand reflects the company’s expansion into a broader range of global industries and markets. Seequent leads the world in visualisation of complex scientific data. It first introduced its Leapfrog 3D geological modelling software to the mining and minerals industry over 10 years ago. The company has since developed solutions for a wide range of industries including geothermal and renewable energy, civil engineering, and environmental management. Seequent chief executive Shaun Maloney says the new brand reflects the company’s evolving purpose and vision for the future. “To help our customers succeed we enable better decisions about earth, environment and energy. This is the singular vision for Seequent and it stands above any product, solution or sector. As the world becomes more complex, there is an even greater need for clarity amongst the noise, to see and manage the challenges of today and tomorrow,” he says. The announcement was made at the company’s Lyceum innovation event in London, the first in a global roadshow series also visiting Vancouver, Johannesburg, Toronto, Santiago and Perth. Seequent’s solutions turn complexity to clarity by transforming complex data into clear geological understanding. Stakeholders, including geologists and executives, use this understanding to confidently make critical time-sensitive investment and environmental decisions. These decisions bring meaning, extract value, and reduce risk, cost and time. Seequent is contributing to the modelling, understanding and management of geological risk for some of the biggest earth, environment and energy projects on the planet. Seequent’s rapidly growing global footprint includes offices in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Peru, Russia, South Africa and the UK. The company has just been named Export Innovator of the Year at the New Zealand Innovation Awards 2017, recognising the global impact of its innovation.

New Government – what could – and what will – they do to improve conditions for manufacturers?

-Dieter Adam, The Manufacturers’ Network (formerly NZMEA) The Labour-led Government’s plan for its first 100 days covers a range of areas, a number of which have the potential to impact manufacturers – some directly, many indirectly. Among the latter, the first one to come to mind is housing – anyone trying to find and retain quality staff, especially in Auckland, knows the extra pressure the recent years house price appreciation has put on people and wages. The banning of foreign ownership, alongside extra effort on the supply side through Housing New Zealand, may contribute to easing housing cost pressure. There has already been some softening of the market, but time will tell if the Government’s new response can tackle the long term problems, both on the supply and demand side of the coin. Questions remain as to how realistic big plans to increase the housing stock are in the face of a crippling skills shortage in the building and construction industry. Further restrictions on migration may put pressure on new builds, unless new migration policies really manage to have a highly targeted impact. In terms of the tax working group, any tax changes aiming at tackling our poor productivity, one of the root causes of our lack of real economic growth in terms of GDP per capita, and per hour worked, need to make it easier for businesses in the productive economy to access capital. Funding the investment in people, machinery and equipment required to maintain an internationally competitive manufacturing position won’t happen out of operating cash flows alone. We need a tax system that effectively incentivises and pushes investment into the productive areas of our economy, rather than the current system which tilts the playing field towards investment in speculative activities by not (adequately) taxing profits. A combination of […]

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