Scott Buchholz – Disrupting with digital twins

While the foundation of supply chain operations has stood the test of time, the capabilities we are leveraging to execute across the end-to-end supply chain are changing dramatically. No longer are we relying solely on historic, algorithmic models to understand demand, but advancements in IoT are enabling organizations to get a glimpse into what influences demand in the here and now. What does this mean for connecting with the end customer? How is this changing decision-making processes? In this episode with Mr. IoT, Adam Mussomeli, leader of Deloitte's National Supply Chain & Network Operations practice, discusses how technology has evolved our supply chains into agile digital supply networks.

The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a time of unprecedented change, accelerating the future of work, disrupting supply chains, and adapting human interactions for a socially distanced world. Nishita Henry, Deloitte’s Chief Innovation Officer, suggests that while necessity has fostered increased innovation across industries through AI, Cloud, IoT, and more, other technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, may require more time and usage before corporations buy in and see their value. In this episode of Coffee with Mr. IoT, Nishita and Robert discuss how organizations, and people alike, have responded to this period of change and what the future holds for innovation in a virtual environment.

We are excited to announce the launch of our Virtual Factory 3.0 app. In this panel discussion, hosted by Deloitte's Chief Futurist Robert Schmid and our creative team, we discuss how the Virtual Factory was envisioned, designed, built and animated; which Digital Thread use cases it demonstrates; and how the app's users can leverage this tool to better understand and explain key concepts of Digital Thread to their Product Development & Manufacturing organizations. The Virtual Factory by Deloitte app simulates the three phases of a rubber duck product's lifecycle—design, manufacturing, and life—interconnected across the Digital Thread. The main use case is the Digital Twin and how it helps reduce product time-to-market and overall cost of service while enriching the customer experience.

The mobile revolution helped drive the evolution of the Internet of Things, according to Dirk Didascalou, VP of IoT at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Now, with cheaper technology and faster data processing, connecting anything is possible. Dirk and Robert discuss the opportunities, including surprising use cases such as using technology in fish farming to solve food shortages, the advantages of combining edge and cloud, and growing adoption of computer vision and voice command.

While many knowledge workers have quickly adapted to remote work thanks to video and teleconferencing, that’s not usually a feasible option for frontline workers such as those in factories. Jim Heppelmann, CEO of PTC, discusses how technologies like augmented and virtual reality, IoT, and software as a service are making digital collaboration possible for workers who typically need to be onsite. PTC aims to be at the forefront of these digital innovations through solutions such as Vuforia Chalk and their new Reality Lab. He also discusses how the company is pivoting their marquee industrial event, LiveWorx, to a one-day virtual conference, and shares insight into what’s top of mind for CEOs navigating a post-coronavirus world.

These days if your eyes can see something, it’s very likely a computer sees it, too. Image and facial recognition technologies are expanding as IP cameras become more ubiquitous. Mr. IoT discusses the latest trends and capabilities with Rick Leblanc who leads business development for Deloitte Canada’s Horizon solution—a computer vision platform. In retail and hospitality, facial recognition is often used to augment VIP customers’ experience. There are also use cases for industrial sectors such as worker safety, remote monitoring, and asset tracking. In the aftermath of COVID-19, thermal cameras are also being considered for checking temperatures as people return to work.

Smart home devices are becoming more common in households, but consumers may not be getting the most value due to poor user design. Yana Welinder hopes to change that through Kraftful, the company she co-founded that’s focused on developing user-friendly interfaces for connected products. She and Robert discuss what makes a seamless onboarding user experience, whether light switches will continue to exist, and how they approach designs for consumers vs commercial clients.

Ed Kuzemchak, founder and CTO of Software Design Solutions, chats with Robert on the impact lower cost, more robust, and better processing technology and hardware have had on the evolution and adoption of IoT. They also discuss the how edge and fog compare, the “food pyramid” of devices, balancing horsepower vs. battery life, and whether 5G is stealing too much thunder from NB (narrowband) IoT.

Remote work has become a norm for many white collar jobs. With numerous people now sheltering in place, other organizations that traditionally rely on onsite teams, such as manufacturers, are also learning how to operate virtually. Steve Hatfield, Deloitte Consulting principal and global leader for Future of Work, chats with Mr. IoT on how companies are rethinking collaboration and productivity; considerations around having the right infrastructure, technology, and policies; and even how to help foster workers’ physical and mental wellbeing. He also addresses how the future workplace may shift to focus more on innovation and community building.

Additive manufacturing technologies like 3D printing have become instrumental innovations helping fill a shortage on personal protective equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus pandemic. Kelly Marchese, who leads Deloitte Consulting LLP’s Supply Chain and Network Operations practice for Government & Public Services, talks about one organization, America Makes, who is providing FDA-approved PPE designs for makers and facilitating getting equipment to those in need. Deloitte has been working with America Makes to provide infrastructure support ranging from website designs to strategic communications to regulatory advice.