How digital world drives innovation at Daimler

Michael Gorriz, chief information officer of Daimler AG

Daimler will rely on its latest digital technologies for another leap in development - that was the message from the German premium vehicle manufacturer through its information technology organization.

On a tech day event last Thursday, Daimler highlighted its global IT strategy while providing an opportunity to learn how that part of the company works in China.

"In line with 'our think global, act local' philosophy, Daimler's IT organization with more than 6,900 employees at 500 locations worldwide is expanding its global presence through regional IT structures that advance our global 2020 growth strategy," said Michael Gorriz, chief information officer of Daimler AG.

"Our investment in the IT sector in China is an example of how essential it is for business."

To rapidly respond to China-specific demands, Daimler has established an IT team of about 140 experts that is continuing to grow with the needs of the local market.

Based on analysis and identification of actual business requirements in China, Daimler has rolled out a series of specific IT solutions throughout its supply chain and services to ensure the best customer experience, said the company.

"We have a strong local IT footprint through all our business units and joint ventures in China ranging from passenger cars, vans, and trucks to financing and parts services," said Marc Lampe, chief information officer of Daimler Greater China.

"With our agile, flexible and fast IT initiatives specifically developed for the needs of our customers in China, we are confident that we can enable Daimler to realize its full potential in the Chinese market," added Lampe.

The pioneering digitalization work at Daimler was on full display at the tech day event where the company showed that IT is simply everywhere.

Examples included a customer relationship management tool that provides an integrated vision of interactions and financial service innovations such as FIM - a mobile point-of-sales product that simplifies the entire process for financial services - as well as the myMBFS, an app that serves as a digital touch point for financial service customers.

Another example of IT is the development of standardized computer-based training tools that complement conventional training for assembly line workers that can reduce training costs by 15 to 20 percent.

Daimler's embrace of digital life also extends to backup support for creating Mercedes-Benz Connect, a connectivity package tailored to the Chinese market.

Moving ahead, Daimler's IT team in China will take advantage of the automaker's global resources to continue growing together with the Chinese market, said Lampe.

By continuing to innovate and bring leading products to Daimler, its IT organization is set to play an even more dynamic role in extending the digital lifestyle of its customers and help Daimler focus on its core business - the design, manufacture and sale of automobiles, the company said in a statement.