Wrap-Up: A Year in Review

Dear SmartTechNXT community,

As we approach the end of this transformative year, we reflect on the strides we’ve taken in the world of intelligent, smart automation and business process optimisation. It’s been a journey marked by debunking myths, sharing success stories, exciting initiatives and engaging with like-minded communities.

Our goal for 2023 was to increase awareness of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in Southern Africa and the Netherlands. Through some great activities, we believe we achieved that objective.

For our new clients who joined us since our last newsletter, we welcome you to the SmartTechNXT community, and look forward to an amazing working relationship for many years to come.

Our focus has always been “creating simpler, smarter automation in the service of people” through eliminating repetitive and time-consuming manual processes. This year we increased our reach in industries like Marketing and Advertising, Auditing & Finance, Logistics and Solar Energy to name a few. Below we give you a short summary of this exciting year.

Debunking myths around RPA

As myths surrounding RPA persist, we took on the challenge of debunking myths around RPA. RPA isn’t just for giants; it doesn’t replace humans but empowers them. Through a series of posts, articles and a webinar, we debunked various myths and presented real life facts around RPA.

Case Studies on the impact of RPA

Case studies showcase the immense potential of RPA. From a staggering 650% ROI to saving 30% of daily work hours, we reported on various case studies to demonstrate the tangible benefits of embracing Robotic Process Automation in your operations.

Logistics, Warehousing, and Supply Chain Optimisation

RPA reduces costs, minimizes errors, and enhances overall operating and handling speed in the logistics sector. This year we focussed on creating a footprint in the Dutch logistics and supply chain sectors. An initiative that will be further continued in 2024.

Hengelo, the Netherlands as base

We are now firmly rooted in Hengelo with the valued support and co-operation with Oost NL and extensive collaboration with World Trade Center Twente. In partnership with these 2 organisations we are actively contributing to the growth of companies and entrepreneurs in East Netherlands.

Wageningen University: Food and Beverage leadership discussions

SmartTechNXT was invited by the Chamber SANEC emea, in partnership with OOSTNL, to join discussions at Wageningen University. Over 40 senior leaders from the South African food and beverages industry participated. Dr. Laureen van Aswegen, Global Director of Intelligent Automation and former business leader in beverages processing, actively contributed with insights into food innovations and technologies, emphasizing digitalization and automation. This strengthened the link with practical applications within the Dutch food ecosystem.

Novel-T’s MKB Innovatie Event

On the 21 st of February, Novel-T organised their first MKB Innovatie Event. Entrepreneurs shared successes and challenges, and we pitched our new product Proofnetz to the audience. Proofnetz is a new innovative product that assist in ensuring your assets remain legally compliant in all stages of its lifecycle. We will keep you posted on Proofnetz into the future as we bring this new innovation to market.

World Trade Center Twente

As members of WTC Twente Business Club, we visited the H2Hub Twente, CarboTreat, WILA Brake Press and Machinefabriek Boessenkool BV and engaged with fellow members. Each of these unique and interesting operations provided great insight into the growth and innovation that can be experienced though the implementation of new technologies and a drive towards 4IR. The knowledge exchange in the vibrant environment left us with fresh insights and strengthened connections.

The Wim Geul Rally was a highlight as usual, and at least we didn’t come last this year. During the Rally successful entrepreneurs were visited such as LandhuisHotel (Country Estate) De Bloemenbeek in De Lutte, with CEO Raymond Strikker. The business day ended with social networking during a typical “Twentse braai” where discussions continued regarding key smart technologies in the circulareconomy, health, energy and production led by entrepreneurship in Twente.

€10,000 subsidies for SMEs in Overijssel and Gelderland.

As one of the selected implementation partners in Overijssel and Gelderland, SmartTechNXT supported the regions with the roll out of a €10,000 subsidy made available to SME’s wanting to digitally transform their operations and processes.

Team Expansion

The addition of Aldred Dreyer to our team in South Africa has been an exciting one. His wealth of technical experience as well as skill to interpret the needs of our clients has made the transition into new areas of focus virtually seamless.

Cracking the Code Webinar

On July 19 th we co-hosted a webinar with our partners, Fortra and Syscor, in South Africa. We presented and discussed valuable insights on intelligent business process automation. In addition, we were privileged to hear various real life case studies from our customers. Lastly, we used the session to further unpack the myths surrounding RPA and any other concerns during the well- attended event. Click on the link below to watch the recording:
https://streamyard.com/ztp5ded23yrr

SACIA Broadcast Industry Golf Day

Spring in South Africa is a great time to re-appreciate nature, and one of the best ways to do so it by playing golf. SmartTechNXT, in cooperation with Syscor, sponsored a hole during the annual Southern African Commnications Industries Association (SACIA) golf day. We had many interesting conversations about how RPA can benefit operators in the broadcasting industry. One of the participants won 3 months free usage of one of our RPA bots.

Expos

Towards the end of the year, we were privileged to attend and partake in two interesting events. AI Expo Africa 2023 was organised in Johannesburg over a two-day period. The event covered the future of AI and automations in the South African context. During the event we met may like-minded people and companies. The future of RPA looks promising!

AfricaCom, organised in Cape Town, is the largest telecoms event in African and a platform for accelerating Africa’s digital journey. As proud participants, we engaged with brilliant minds.

Focus for 2024

Next year we will focus on serving more of our clients with our recently launched RPA SaaS offering, making our clients’ work lives easier and processes smoother.

As in 2023, we will expand our community by participating in key events in various sectors in Southern Africa and the Netherlands. We hope to see and engage with you!

Thank you for being part of our journey. As we close the 2023 chapter, we look forward to more innovation, growth, and collaboration in the coming year.

Wishing you a festive season and a prosperous New Year!