It’s July already. Looking back at the first half of 2019, we proudly realize that we have accomplished so much – from implementation projects to innovation initiatives. One of our milestones is a game-changer indeed. We have been selected to be one of the development partners within the initiative of SAP and Apple to build native iOS apps for the SAP portfolio.
These apps will dramatically improve productivity, significantly reduce errors, save time and delight employees and customers. The current offering includes solutions for retail, consumer products, manufacturing, and utilities, with more on the way.
Tim Cook, Apple CEO, joined Bill McDermott, SAP CEO on the stage at SAPPHIRE NOW to announce the Fast Start program and share thoughts on the role of technology in shaping the business of tomorrow. “I think that whether you’re looking for productivity, efficiency, or experience – Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are key to that, the device is key to that, mobility is a must for that. We all have to deliver the best information to the right individual at the right time to get the right business decision. With SAP incorporating these into SDK, the things that you’re able to do are just limitless”, said Tim Cook.
The Fast Start Program
As a leading SAP partner for digital excellence, we were selected to deliver two solutions for the Fast Start program. InStore Sales Support is an app that enhances the in-store experience, makes the buying process more efficient and empowers both customers and sales assistants. When walking into a store, the customer can share personal information and preferences with a designated sales assistant who will provide further support in the shopping process from bringing them the correct size to the changing room, to faster checkout in the end. On the other hand, sales assistants can see preferences of their customers, be informed about new arrivals and current trends – which allows them to cross- and up-sell. This solution unifies the online and offline customer experience and brings all the benefits of digitalization to the physical store.
Another app included in the Fast Start program is the B2B Sales App. This solution provides sales managers with real-time product information, customer insights, and marketing data – making the sales process easier and creating new possibilities to deliver personalized experiences and excellent service. Having access to both, customer profiles and products & services catalog, sales representatives are faster and more efficient when preparing for a meeting, as well as empowered in real-time during the conversation.
“Apple is the best-in-class when it comes to devices and user experience. On the other hand, SAP is leading when it comes to Order to Cash related processes. For us, being involved in this partnership means that NETCONOMY is recognized as an experienced partner that adds significant value to innovation initiatives. It is also important to have access to the latest innovation projects because in that way we are the front runners, and we make our customers front runners among their competition as well”, says Josef Grabner, Chief Innovation Officer at NETCONOMY.
Emerging technologies hold great potential to transform business models, increase productivity, and reduce loss – which is all required for outstanding customer experience. Being selected by key technology players to work with them on this project is an important reference for us, and a great possibility for the market to answer specific customer needs.
The best-run businesses run on SAP and iOS. And with NETCONOMY, you can run even faster. Let’s start the race.
