Welcome to this issue of the Global Business Services Magazine, where we touch on the wonders of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and how it is impacting the Global Business Services sphere. The horizontal bridge between the physical, digital and biological domain is slowly creeping up on us. What would have once been brushed off as science fiction is now an inevitability. 3D printing a human face is now possible; you can even 3D print an exact replica of yourself in various sizes. What’s more, we are now looking at implanting SIM cards into the palm of the hand, and messages that are sent via brain-waves and sparing people the nose crinkling coffee breaths. Walking around the city block will look and feel familiar, but much has changed; the Smart City project, harnessing the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), are now drastically improving the quality of life. Raw, unfiltered data are being fed into the database from sensors and using Data Analytics, it can vastly improve operational efficiency, optimise traffic flow and allow for quicker emergency response time, and drive further innovations. Needless to say, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the changes that it brings have disrupted and redefined the norm. Cloud Computing, AI, IoT, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Blockchain – to name a few – have enabled corporations to move up the value chain, focusing on higher value activities and strategic approaches. Companies are now utilising real-time data and diagnostics information to improve energy efficiency at their industrial plants and provide predictive maintenance – which are being utilised by frontrunners in Belgium, namely Infrabel and Sitech. These technologies are also affecting the entire supply chain, altering the face of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs);customer engagement to address their demands effectively; and enabling a more transparent and dynamic manufacturing footprint. Turn to our cover story by Dr Thomas Tang titled“Bridging The Digital Divide: Leveraging On Artificial Intelligence In The GBS Sphere” which explores the impact of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies on the global outsourcing scene. The article also explores how AI will affect the masses and birth a new breed of consumers. Also featured in this issue is an article by Roberto Benetello, titled “EU’s Role As A Proponent For Tech Innovation”. The article looks into the role of the EU in leveraging on emerging technologies due to its potential as a digital hub, as well as touching on the Digital Single Market initiative. Mohamed Helmi Harith of IBM also talks about how AI fits into the global shared services and outsourcing industry as a solution, and how it can be a key enabler for growth in his article titled “Accelerating Shared Services Businesses In The Era Of AI.” With a range of such impactful articles and thoughts throughout this issue of the magazine, it only lifts the lid slightly in anticipation for what is in store for us in 2019. We are also delighted to announce that our GBS Magazine is now available online, moving forward!
