Client stories, keynotes and networking: Highlights of Transformation NOW! 2023

As the doors closed and the lights dimmed, the 500 attendees held their breath for a moment.

On three giant screens, with an intense bright background, Per Falck Jensen, Managing Director in Denmark, appeared to open Transformation NOW! 2023. However, there was a twist.

It wasn’t actually him. It was an identical AI-generated video clone, appearing and speaking just like Per Falck Jensen, with a notable difference, as he humorously pointed out:

“The real Per still wears glasses. He also speaks Danish. And he can pronounce his own name correctly.”

The AI clone with perfect eyesight was designed to introduce today’s host, Christiane Vejlø, one of Denmark’s most renowned figures in the realm of digital trends and the impact of technology on individuals, businesses, and society.

The real Per – in flesh and blood – also made an entrance to bid everyone welcome to the conference shortly after his AI-clone’s introduction. It was clear from the beginning that this was going to be a memorable Transformation NOW! event.

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Keynote speakers took the stage with inspirational talks on leadership, sustainability, data-driven strategy, and innovation 

A generous program unfolded with relevant content for every guest. In safe hands of Christiane Vejlø, the keynote speakers were presented and interviewed.

Robert Swan took us on a journey, not just to the North and South Poles, which he was the first to reach on foot, but also on a voyage of leadership and teamwork.

The experiences of Robert Swans explorations into some of the most extreme and unfriendly environments on our planet gave us rare insights into achieving otherwise unthinkable milestones and achievements by working as a team with genuine, unwavering trust in one another. He shared insights into the purpose of his 2041 Foundation and his strategy for creating enduring environmental change before it becomes too late.

Christian Arnstedt, entrepreneurial rising star known from Dragons’ Den, welcomed us to his realm as the CEO of Blazar Capital, a company investing in and developing businesses.

He took the stage with a passionate belief in data as a strategic guiding star and AI as an accelerator of growth and development in business operations. With his stellar communication skills and presence, Christian Arnstedt captivated the audience with his ideas and insights on AI and data-driven strategy, and generously addressing questions from the crowd afterward.

Bent Ditlevsen, CIO of legacy retail brand in Denmark, Søstrene Grene, shared the journey of going all-in on the digital transformation, as Søstrene Grene recently embarked on a full-scale SAP transformation with NTT DATA Business Solutions.

The talk was an honest and generous lecture of adapting to changing consumer preferences and embracing new technologies – while still maintaining the brands iconic, emotional and ambient feeling of tradition. Bent Ditlevsen shared how Søstrene Grene is taking on it’s ambitions for growth powered by a rock solid strategy, an innovative mindset and a courageous culture.

Clients sharing cases, stories, ideas and experiences with SAP

After the keynote sessions, the breakout sessions began: 16 sessions across four different breakout rooms invited everyone to join talks and case studies according to their interest.

Of course, SAP was a key theme going through the program. And among the highlights was clients sharing their stories and experiences with S4/HANA. Including the ups and downs and bumpy roads, that comes along when businesses makes crucial, innovative and heavy duty transformation.

Banedanmark is keeping Denmark on the rails with SAP

An exiting SAP-client story was Banedanmark, the public organization responsible for operating, maintaining, and developing the state-owned railway infrastructure in Denmark, represented by Søren Lomholt Hansen.

The talk dived into how Banedanmark can strategically approach digital transformation within an SAP system, utilizing a comprehensive SAP solution to support their business needs.

In other words, how SAP S4/HANA is helping keeping the infrastructure of Denmark on the rails.

DLG is breaking down silos with new S/4HANA Green Field approach

The event also featured S/4HANA insights from DLG, the largest farm supply company in Europe, about the company’s agile approach and their experiences with Process Mining in the context of SAP Best Practices.

Bjarne M. Svendsen shared both the challenges and benefits of the recent transition to the S/4HANA Green Field approach, aiming to create a common process, and platform and to improve profitability through efficiency and improved performance. Breaking down silos. Streamlining and enabling collaboration, automation and digitalization.

Lemvigh-Müller on the road to go-live with SAP RISE

A final must-see SAP talk from the event was Lemvigh-Müller, the largest wholesaler of steel and technical installations in Denmark, sharing their road to ‘RISE with SAP’, presented by CIO, Frederik Aakerlund.

The talk dived into their journey migrating their entire ERP solution to SAP RISE – and sharing specific and useful recommendations from the learnings from their current migration that aims to go-live in 2024.

Salling Group’s experience with SAP Datasphere

Thinking outside the box

Two of NTT DATA Business Solutions’ own experts also took the stage, providing a rare glimpse into the minds and actions of those who create the solutions and grapple with the challenges they face.

Thomas Nørmark presented his “Innovation Blitz” talk, offering a mind-boggling tour of the latest trends and tendencies in AI and innovation.

He explored where we stand today and what the landscape might look like in 10 years. From metaverse “universes” confined to small virtual scenes to future universal, interconnected, decentralized, and persistent 3D experiences. He discussed digital humans taking interfaces – and more specifically – self-service solutions to a whole new level, where screens and tablets no longer induce frustration and alienation but greet you with a smile and AI-powered customer service, ultimately freeing up time and focus for employees to address empathetic and complex issues. And much, much more.

Later in the day, Prayson Wilfred Daniel took us on an inspiring journey to the intersection of creativity and technology – where the magic happens!

Prayson shared a case about how he and his team successfully cracked a seemingly uncrackable puzzle for a customer when other competitors had failed. How analyzing past failures and breaking traditional norms led to an innovative solution. A detangling of the challenge, and a story of thinking outside the box and navigating the chaotic, challenging path to the unseeingly obvious idea and approach: when the solution appears so simple that it’s almost absurd, but no one else could think of it.

One-on-ones with EPI-USE Labs, IBM, SAP, Natuvion, and E2Y 

In the exhibition area, it was all about making the most of the opportunity to connect with our esteemed business partners. EPI-USE Labs, IBM, SAP, Natuvion, and E2Y were front and center, each with their own booth where attendees could have one-on-one conversations with their teams. You could dive into the nitty-gritty of their services, explore the latest innovations, and gain insights from the experts themselves.

It was an seldom chance to make connections, ask questions, and dive into the world of cutting-edge solutions offered by these industry leaders.

Networking and connecting with new and old friends

Networking and mingling was at the heart of the conference – for both new and familiar faces. The event brought together an diverse group clients and attendees, where attendees could pick the brains of experts and rub shoulders with technology partners.

A laid-back atmosphere turned the event into a knowledge-sharing hub. So, while it may not have been your typical business event, it sure was a fantastic chance to connect, learn, and have a few laughs along the way at Transformation NOW! 2023 in Copenhagen.