In order to capitalize on the transformative possibilities of digital technology, IT leaders must focus on how they can help close the gap between C-Suite's understanding of digital capabilities and the rapidly shifting market opportunities available. Digital evolution won't wait for you to catch up – the time to come up to speed is now.
Every function within the enterprise has a responsibility to make sure that the company is aware of what's out there, and that its priorities are aligned around solid market opportunities. IT is in a good position when it comes to comprehending and educating on new technology better than other functions, because there's an extra thing that we understand. What I mean is, it's not enough to know what is possible under the most ideal circumstances, such as very specific investment opportunities or reaching a certain market segment. IT leaders also deeply understand all of the things that it takes to make a given technology work: the infrastructure, the security, the maintenance, the long tail, what will it cost, and what impact a digital solution will have on the company in the long term.
Because the IT organization has rich experience with managing technology development, IT leaders are better equipped at not only managing the integration of digital, but also increasing digital acumen across the organization.
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Ken Finnerty is Vice President of Customer Technology and Customer Information Management at UPS. UPS is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Ken is responsible for all solutions that directly touch the customer, including, customer integration technologies, UPS shipping systems, package tracking solutions, UPS’s website and mobile applications. Ken is a member of the UPS IT Governance Committee, which directs UPS technology investments ensuring alignment with business strategy. During his 25 years with UPS Ken has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility including Director of Global Network Systems, Director of UPS Airlines Applications and Senior Director of Systems Programming/ He assumed his current role in 2013. Ken has a B.S.in Business Logistics from Penn State University.
