23
be reduced to virtually zero by introducing remote internet based
maintenance. To make this possible, older machines in the field
should be retrofitted with a network connection. This would offer
customers a great advantage.
7.
Logistics:
There is a need to completely reorganise spare parts
logistics so that the decentralised service teams know what parts are
available at what locations and in what quantities. This would reduce
downtime and also logistic overheads.
8.
Own Cloud app:
Customer‐controlled and order‐driven production
would mean a significant competitive advantage. Customers should
be given the option to independently create a product online from a
number of parts and design the product for production.
9.
Production overview:
Another customer benefit would be a
continually updated overview as to where the parts required for
delivery are currently located. This would make it easier for customers
to organise return transportation, thus giving them more assurance in
planning for delivery commitments.
10.
Logistics:
It would even be conceivable to offer an optional logistical
service that would allow furniture ordered by customers to be
delivered directly to the consumer, thus removing, or at least
considerably reducing, the need for expensive interim storage at the
furniture stores.
For Max, the solutions developed were outstanding. It was not just that the
Cloud consultant had been able to point to existing Cloud services to match
the fields of action urgently needed within the company, healso painted a
picture of how Clever Inc. could develop into a modern service enterprise of
the future.
It was clear to everyone that the detailed development of these areas
involved much work and that numerous other discussions would be
necessary. For each of the options, it was important to examine which
alternatives could be implemented, what functionality was required, and
state the optimisation requirements on the basis of best and worst‐case
scenarios.
The important thing was for the company to get a good overview of the
opportunities and risks of the new IT solutions. The plan was to look into the
details of the legal, fiscal and engineering issues in the following weeks.
Another group of employees had the task of defining IT security policies,