iLabs provides facilities for small teams to develop the concept of demonstrators that explore the potential business applications of new technologies. At the iLabs, we probe the boundaries of technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, Machine Learning Advanced Analytics and Robotic Process Automation to show our clients how to apply them effectively. But to do this in the best way possible, we needed the right working environment. Ixtel focuses on open technologies and high-value solutions, deliver integration and innovation to clients, and become the premier globally integrated enterprise.
Collaborative innovation with Big Thinking – Big Thinking provides a stage for people who have an innovative idea and what that idea to be transformed into visible business for ixtel & its customers.
Objectives of Big Thinking
- Demonstrate that every employee can be an innovator
- Create a culture in which collaboration and interaction across silos is possible
- Educate employees on approach to innovation
- Reward innovators and innovative ideas intangible, visible ways
ixtel iLabs has established a Customer Innovation Engagement program through iLabs which uses ixtel innovation capabilities to create an innovation engagement between ixtel & selected ixtel customers as part of the process. The program is designed to achieve a Win-Win situation.
Customer Win - The customer has access to ixtel & it’s partner research and innovation program mes providing an opportunity to collaborate with ixtel and to identify and develop opportunities to use these new technologies to drive business effectiveness and efficiency. ixtel win - ixtel gains insight into business and sector challenges and opportunities, with the opportunity to feed this insight into its research and development activities
The engagement follows a four-stage process; initial customer selection is where either innovation on engagement has been requested as part of the program, or where ixtel believes Innovation can be added to the program to specifically add value for the customer. Once the customer has been selected, the innovation leader, from the head of digital transformation, works with the team to understand the customers’ business, plus their challenge and opportunity areas. Once this is understood, ixtel innovation is mapped to these areas and a tailored program of innovation relevant to that customer is created. This program is presented to the customer via a workshop format to discuss the content and scope as well as extend understanding on both sides with regards to the customer’s challenge/opportunity areas and ixtel innovation capability. From this workshop, potential collaboration areas are agreed and a plan for execution is developed. The process of evolving, agreeing and executing the program is an ongoing process with strong personal relationships being developed to enable open and direct sharing of interest areas and innovation developments.
Currently, ixtel is engaging with several customers as part of its Customer Innovation Engagement program, a few examples of the innovation topics that ixtel is working on with lead customers are:
Applying ixtel advanced Real-Time Retail Business Intelligence innovation to the complex data management issues in the retail & financial services industry. These advanced algorithms develop ed to enable ixtel to efficiently manage customer experience based on a real (right) time view of business performance are now being evaluated for use within these two industry sectors where more effective management of business ‘levers’ against business performance is critical.
The work we’re doing
- Secure resources for innovation by identifying opportunities
- Examine continuously how to use digital technology resources for value and growth
- Work regularly with clients and externally to develop innovation
- Involve the team actively in identifying how digital technology can enable business opportunities for the company
- Lead initiatives to support flexibility and agility for rapid change
- Ensure a proactive process for evaluating innovation opportunities