In this interview, Jan Brecht, CIO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG & Mercedes-Benz AG, provides a comprehensive overview of Mercedes-Benz’s business and its transformation endeavours.

Jan underscores the multifaceted nature of transformation, encompassing process modifications, shifts in business models, and innovation. He categorises transformation into three stages of maturity: process optimisation with data-driven insights, business model adaptation, and, at the highest level, business model innovation. There are challenges with technology integration in the transformation journey and Jan underscores the importance of involving employees in this evolution.

Factory 56, Mercedes-Benz’s highly digitalised manufacturing facility, serves as a prime example of a successful IT-driven transformation. The factory’s advanced technology, including adaptable assembly lines, precise torque control, and wireless data transmission, showcases the profound impact of digitalisation on modern manufacturing.

Jan explains Mercedes-Benz’s approach to striking a balance between local innovation and shared capabilities, which hinges on a product-oriented strategy. This approach empowers various locations to take ownership of specific digital products or modules, fostering innovation while adhering to global standards and integration requirements.

There are two substantial opportunities for Mercedes-Benz on the horizon. First, the brand seeks to expedite vehicle engineering by embracing digital twins, substantially reducing development time. Second, there is a concerted effort to simplify the car buying and financing process, aiming to provide customers with a streamlined experience requiring fewer clicks.

Mercedes-Benz navigates the ever-evolving automotive landscape through digital transformation and a strong commitment to customer-centric approaches.

Key Takeaways:

  • Efficient schedule management is important, highlighting the significance of a weekly ‘Lookout’ meeting. This regular meeting serves as a tool to streamline tasks and maintain a dedicated focus on critical aspects such as technology, innovation, and customer data.
  • Customer interaction involves data analysis to enhance the online sales experience. Jan illustrates this with a practical example where data is leveraged to improve the online car configuration process. The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of clicks required for customers to make a purchase, making the process more user-friendly and efficient.
  • There are pivotal megatrends affecting the automotive industry including electrification and software. Robust charging infrastructure in electrification plays a critical role and underscores the significance of digital services in delivering a seamless experience for EV users.
Contributors
Peter Weill Chairman & Senior Research Scientist at MIT CISR
Peter Weill’s work centers on the role, value, and governance of digitization in enterprises. Weill joined the MIT Sloan faculty in 2000... More

Peter Weill’s work centers on the role, value, and governance of digitization in enterprises. Weill joined the MIT Sloan faculty in 2000 to become director of MIT Sloan’s Center for Information Systems Research (CISR).

MIT CISR is funded by approximately 100 corporate sponsors and patrons, and undertakes practical research on how firms generate business value from Information Technology (IT). As chair, Weill focuses on globalizing the center’s research and delivery. In 2008, Ziff Davis recognized Weill as #24 of The Top 100 Most Influential People in IT, the highest-ranked academic. In Dec 2019, his 2015 MIT SMR article Thriving in an Increasingly Digital Era was recognized as one of The Best 10 SMR Articles in the 2010s.

Peter has worked on digitization issues with the Executive Committees and Boards of more than 40 companies globally. He conducts workshops for key conferences, including the CEO Summits for Microsoft, IBM, and SAP, and the International Monetary Conference.

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Jan Brecht Mercedes-Benz Group AG & Mercedes-Benz AG
Jan Brecht is responsible for IT at Mercedes-Benz. He agrees that “Software is eating the world” (Marc Andreessen), and believes in DevOps... More

Jan Brecht is responsible for IT at Mercedes-Benz. He agrees that “Software is eating the world” (Marc Andreessen), and believes in DevOps and Open Source.

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Transformation Leadership Modernisation