Products must get smart to survive in today’s connected world

Digital technology has created new businesses and shaken up old. Entire industries have already been transformed, but emerging technologies show no sign of abating, and more than 75% of industries are now at risk of major disruption in the coming years. 

While such disruption is seen as a threat by many, digital technology also presents the biggest opportunity for product-making businesses to re-think how they conceive, make, distribute and support the next generation of goods in the marketplace. Now in a new book, Reinventing the Product, two of Accenture’s digital transformation experts provide a practical roadmap for how companies can successfully ride the coming waves of digital disruption.

In Reinventing the Product, authors Eric Schaeffer and David Sovie assess how digital technologies such as the Internet of Things, data analytics, blockchain, cloud computing and particularly AI are transforming traditional products. They outline the future of smart connected products and ecosystem platforms, explain how today’s users expect personalised product experiences and prove that these fundamental changes are happening much faster than most organisations realise.

The reality is that companies that fail to embrace digital technologies today, risk failing tomorrow. Reinventing the Product provides a practical “how-to” guide to help organisations successfully reinvent their product and transform their business models, processes and culture to ensure they have the agility to thrive and succeed in the digital age.

Packed with compelling real-life case studies and expert insights from brands including Faurecia, Samsung, Caterpillar, Amazon, Tesla and Google, Reinventing the Product provides practical advice for business leaders as they embark on, or accelerate, their digitalisation journey.

“Eric Schaeffer did it again. After his spearheading Industry X.0, which has inspired our team of entrepreneurs to adapt our digital strategy creatively, he now co-authors with David Sovie a brilliant, richly detailed roadmap to the digital future for all product making companies. No doubt: this is again a must-read.” Zhang Ruimin, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, Haier Group

“Reinventing the Product doesn’t just look thoroughly at how the disruptive waves of digital technologies will affect product companies (including the subscription economy). Drawing on a deep analysis of five profound shifts they face and complemented with compelling case studies, Eric Schaeffer and David Sovie also provide strategic and practical “how-to” advice for businesses as they develop digital products. An inspirational call-to-action.” Eric Chaniot, Chief Digital Officer, Michelin

Exclusive articles and interviews available:

Eric Schaeffer and David Sovie are experienced and engaging speakers, and world leading experts in the digital reinvention of businesses and industries. They are available for expert comment, interview and to write by-lined articles on topics including:

7 steps to reinvent your product for the digital age

• How reinventing the wheel paid off for Michelin
• Smart, connected and intelligent – the new critical success factors for products
• How to take your product from passive traditional to smart connected
• New business models – Product ownership re-evaluated
• 10 steps to build an ecosystem for your products
• How to reposition your business offering – smart connected is key
• Why you should consider giving your product away for free
•  5 big shifts to make from the traditional product producing mindset
• Does your product offering need an ecosystem?

Reinventing the Product: How to transform your business and create real value in the digital age is due to be published by Kogan Page in March 2019. For more information on reinventing the product please visit Kogan Pages website.

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