https://events.sap.com/sapandasug/en/session/37344
The team that put together the Apollo 11 launch in 1969 knew they were embarking on uncharted territory. And, although there were countries working towards the same goal, the Apollo 11 team with the steps of Neil Armstrong eventually made that giant leap forward first. What did it take? Determination and teamwork, but also a team of over 4,000 scientists, engineers and technicians.
This week, I had the opportunity to see what it takes to bridge the physical to the digital divide at the SAP Sapphire event. The speakers were inspiring. The customers were hungry to learn – driven to transform their businesses. But it also takes large teams of scientists, engineers and technicians working together in a relentless pursuit.
So, what was a lighting manufacturer like Acuity Brands doing at SAP?
At SAPPHIRE NOW, Acuity Brands and SAP demonstrated a joint solution that showcases synergies between SAP's Leonardo platform and Acuity's AtriusTM IoT software services that provide asset tracking, indoor personal navigation in mobile devices, and geospatial analytics. The joint solution allows retailers to combine the wealth of information about products and customers available in SAP’s retail solutions with the real-time information about where customers are spending their time in stores. The result allows for more targeted restocking activities based on highest potential impact. Retailers can also target promotions to customers based on where they are in the store and many other use cases, which directly impact the top and bottom lines. That’s real ROI from IoT.
Like Acuity Brands, SAP is clearly dedicated to the digital transformation of their customers. SAP Leonardo is bridging the historical strength of SAP in the systems of record that drive the businesses of customers across all verticals to the world of IoT, streaming data, analytics, machine learning and real-time response. Acuity Brands has come from its market leadership position in lighting to become a provider of digital sensory networks, connected building’s technology and software services that supply the streaming data and analytics for what is happening in buildings. Together, SAP and Acuity Brands are providing solutions that connect the physical and digital worlds to make our customer’s retail businesses run better and improve their customers’ experiences.
How was the innovation received?
The reception from customers was universally positive. Years ago, it would be strange to see a large OEM and an enterprise software company working together. But not today. Today we demonstrated a partnership where complementary capabilities can solve customer’s problems.
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About Greg Carter
Senior Vice President, Connected Buildings Software at Acuity Brands, Inc.
Greg Carter is responsible for developing, productizing, selling and deploying IoT Solutions that leverage Acuity’s IoT platform and IoT-enabled lighting and building systems infrastructure. These solutions harness operational and consumer data and transform them into business insights that fuel improvements in worker efficiency, business processes, customer experience and market penetration for Acuity Brands customers. With a tenure of 20+ years in technology, Greg previously led Cisco’s IoT Services Group. Carter started his career and gained his initial experiences in operational technology requirements as a United States Naval Officer.
