DIGITAL FACTORY
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“ In reality , it all comes down to the key question — what does the customer need ? It isn ’ t about what the customer wants ”
— Steve Richmond , Director of the Logistics Systems at Jungheinrich UK
As an organisation that doesn ’ t believe in standing still , Jungheinrich has been proactive in welcoming change . With artificial intelligence ( AI ) and the use of Big Data becoming increasingly important in the manufacturing sector and beyond , Richmond affirms that despite the necessity of transforming and adopting new technology , decisions must always be made with customer demands at the forefront . “ Evolution is the key ,” notes Richmond . “ Any company that wants to sustain a competitive advantage has to be able to adapt and evolve . I believe what we ’ ve done fantastically well is ensure that the customer is at the heart of everything we do . There ’ s no point developing a product that we think is right for the customer if the demand isn ’ t there .” However , with the importance of embracing the latest trends paramount to ensure continued success , Richmond points to pertinent quote from Henry Ford , the founder of Ford Motor Company , who said : ‘ if you ’ d asked the people what they wanted , they would have said faster horses .’ “ In reality , it all comes down to the key question — what does the customer need ? It isn ’ t about what the customer wants ,” explains
AUGUST 2019