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CIO Middle East . A recent info brief by market intelligence and advisory company International Data Corporation ( IDC ), has revealed that while an impressive 76 % of manufacturers in the Middle East , Turkey and Africa ( META ) region are currently engaged in , or about to start , a formal Digital Transformation ( DX ) programme , a significant proportion risk limiting their efforts by failing to connect key elements including DX initiatives , data and technology environments . The info brief , which was sponsored by Infor , refers to ‘ Islands of Innovation ’ as a key challenge , with siloed DX initiatives , siloed data and siloed technology environments highlighted as three particular challenges for manufacturers to be aware of and fix in the region .

In this regard , we continue to cover articles in this edition of the magazine addressing the issue of Digital Transformation and how organisations can overcome challenges and improve their chances of success with DX .

Gracing the cover of this month ’ s edition is Praveen Sashi , Senior Director of IT and Logistics , DHL Express UAE , who tells us how the company is using technology to drive change , innovate and transform the logistics sector in the region .

“ As an innovation leader in our industry , we have successfully implemented numerous digitalisation programmes across all business functions over the past years , despite this we believe Digital

Transformation presents even more opportunities and has enormous potential for our industry ,” says Sashi .

Among the many insights , Sashi shares that : “ As a company we are focused on making our customers ’ life easy as well as making DHL easy to do business with . With this in mind , we are constantly engaging with our customers at all levels . Last year , we had launched a new highly intuitive online customer solution for which we had organised an event just so our customers could come and experience the new technology first hand , ask questions and give feedback which we later incorporated into the solution .” You can read more by turning to page 58 .

Elsewhere in the magazine , we look at fifthgeneration wireless ( 5G ), the latest iteration of cellular technology , engineered to greatly increase the speed and responsiveness of wireless networks . You will find this feature on page 40 .

As usual , we have all your favourite features , opinion , insight pieces and analysis articles from the Middle East region . You can also read daily news updates on our website at www . intelligentcio . com / me /.

And kindly , don ’ t forget if you would like to get in touch please email me at manda @ lynchpinmedia . co . uk .

Once again , I would also like to wish you a great month ahead . Enjoy the read !

Manda Banda Editor

www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO MIDDLE EAST 7