\n It should not be concealed, that digitalization brings risks, which need to be addressed and taken into account while performing a digitalization project. Cyber security needs to be a key aspect when we talk about interfaces or higher integration of systems.\nYou will not be the only one, stepping into digitalization. This means new and even disruptive business models can and will come up and jeopardize your business. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_bottom” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]You will not be the only one, stepping into digitalization. This means new and even disruptive business models can and will come up and jeopardize your business.\r\n\r\nDigitalization will happen, there is no way around. Take the challenge and benefit from it. The following chapters describe a few tips and tricks for the cement industry to make digitization projects successful.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_bottom” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column]
<\/figure><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column]Level of Digitalization in the cement industry<\/h2><\/div>[vc_column_text]Having a look at the digitalization in the cement industry we can identify six areas to have a deeper look on. The areas of raw material extraction<\/strong> and raw material preparation<\/strong> are quite well balanced in terms of digitalization and the effect of more digitalization does not bring ground-breaking benefits to the business. Quite similar is the field from raw material processing (raw mill)<\/strong>, clinker production (kiln)<\/strong> and cement production (cement mill)<\/strong>. The focus is already set into these areas and modern equipment provides well designed digitalization features.\r\n\r\nThe area of logistics<\/strong>, on the other hand, requires a little more attention. Of course, there is computerization and network integration quite often in place, but the integration into the supply chain processes is quite weak and therefore transparency and 3rd<\/sup> party communication falls by the wayside.\r\n\r\nBased on our experience this section of the cement industry is worth to pay more attention on and hides a huge potential of optimization through digitalization.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_type=”gradient_endeavour” ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_bottom” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column]10 Elements for senseful digitalization projects<\/h2><\/div>[vc_column_text]Until now we have been discussing about potential fields where digitalization could bring in the most benefit to your business. The next level is to find a good approach to set up digitalization projects in order to transform the ideas into real value. Some key aspects are collected and described here as the 10 elements for a senseful digitalization, which have been developed over long years of project and digitalization experience. These elements will not fit every situation, but are a good guide to consider different aspects.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_type=”gradient_endeavour” ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_bottom” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n1. Analysis<\/h3>\r\nBefore doing anything, it is essential to answer the \u201cwhy\u201d it should be digital and \u201cwhat\u201d is the benefit for the company. Just because there is a technology should not be the reason to start a project. Focusing on the business benefit prevents from investing into wrong topics. Digitalization does not mean to computerize what is already existing. Including the people running that business today is a good idea and brings in precious business cases.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_type=”gradient_endeavour” ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_top,ppi_remove_padding_bottom” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n2. Prioritization<\/h3>\r\nEven a carefully executed analysis will bring either a high number of topics or tap into a huge story. Now it is essential to give priority in order to receive digestible pieces which fit into the budget, but also can be accepted by the business which needs to change the way of work. Even a far away goal can be reached by several small projects and allows intermediate results to settle and to readjust.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_type=”gradient_endeavour” ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_top,ppi_remove_padding_bottom” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n3. What is already digital<\/h3>\r\nWhile analyzing the process flow, some process elements are already a kind of digital. It is worth to have a closer look and to evaluate if this piece has the ability to be a nucleus for further expansion or really needs to be replaced.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_type=”gradient_endeavour” ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_top,ppi_remove_padding_bottom” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n4. Communication<\/h3>\r\nPeople are key to a successful digitalization. The combination of the enthusiasm provided by young digital native starters and the experience of old-established employees is the engine of digitalization. Communication needs to be spread into various directions. Management wants to understand the benefit in order to release budget for digitalization projects. Business gives precious information to implement value bringing processes and tools.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_type=”gradient_endeavour” ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_top,ppi_remove_padding_bottom” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n5. Using Standards<\/h3>\r\nEven if the expectation of a digital process is very individual, the only way to complete a digitalization project within a reasonable framework is to build on standards as much as possible. This helps in establishing interfaces to other systems, but also keeps the chance to maintain the solution over long time. For sure typical challenges in a digitalization project have been solved somewhere before and you can benefit from this experience and save money.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_type=”gradient_endeavour” ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_top,ppi_remove_padding_bottom” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n6. Seek for help<\/h3>\r\nThere are several companies on the same digital journey. Seeking for knowledge exchange with partner, clients, external experts or even with competitors will support the digitalization project and enriches with new insights and solutions.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_type=”gradient_endeavour” ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_top,ppi_remove_padding_bottom” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n7. Plan and adjust<\/h3>\r\nEach and any project needs precise planning. Digitalization projects are quite tricky in this matter. Technology in digitalization is quite dynamic and therefore plans needs to be adjusted to new features or better solutions available in the meantime. The key is to find the right balance between adjusting a plan without getting confused by too many options.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_type=”gradient_endeavour” ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_top,ppi_remove_padding_bottom” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n8. Step by step<\/h3>\r\nClosing the link to the element of prioritization means to develop the digital journey in small and digestible pieces. This keeps flexibility, budget overview and provides success stories by finishing each single step.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_type=”gradient_endeavour” ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_top,ppi_remove_padding_bottom” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n9. Stay curious<\/h3>\r\nContinuously new trends, technology or solution platform are pupping up to the market. Having the eyes open to at least know about the latest developments enlarges the own knowledge and options. Of course lots of them will come and go and it dies not make sense to hunt behind each and any trend. But being online sharpens the feeling of real progress.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_type=”gradient_endeavour” ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_top” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n10. Digital network<\/h3>\r\nEstablishing a digital network facilitates the exchange of experience between similar problems and enriches the company’s own digitalization landscape. Recommendations, tips and tricks or even negative experiences from the digital network will save lots of energy and cost on your digital journey.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row ppi_row_type=”gradient_endeavour” ppi_row_padding=”ppi_remove_padding_top” full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column][vc_column_text]As conclusion it is to say that the field of digitalization is such a huge playground where it needs a wise choice of decisions to find the senseful way into digitalization. There is no wrong or right, but at the end you are responsible to find your own and individual pathway trough the jungle of options. The only fact is, that digitalization will happen \u2013 with or without you.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_narrow_row”][vc_column]