Technology is transforming work and the way we do business

​Tim Sheehy

​President of MMAC

​"Many of our members –
both large and small –
are not only keeping up
with technology, they’re
creating the next wave of
innovation."

​Take Rockwell Automation for example. The company was founded in 1903 here in Milwaukee and for the next 100 years it provided the bulk of discrete resistors used for electronics and other products. Fast forward to 2016 and Rockwell no longer considers itself a manufacturer, but a technology company.

“The past 12 years have been transformational for Rockwell Automation,” said Donald Parfet, lead director at Rockwell. “We’ve become a global technology leader and the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information. Equally important, we are well positioned to accelerate our evolution with industry-leading innovation that improves our customers’ global competitiveness.”

There was a time, not that long ago, when technology was something you “plugged in” to your business. A faster computer, a more sophisticated phone system or a new software platform.

Today, technology is not an isolated tool, but a way of life, both personally and professionally. For most of us, it’s hard to keep up with the latest developments. But many Many of our members – both large and small – are not only keeping up with technology, they’re creating the next wave of innovation.
​

​Transformation to a technology led business model can be intimidating, and it is not without risks. The sheer amount of data being received, sent and collected leaves companies vulnerable to cyber-attacks. More than 80% of U.S. companies have been successfully hacked, according to a Duke University/CFO Magazine Global Business Outlook Survey!

What can you do to mitigate the risks and capitalize on the developments? Start by tapping into your MMAC network. In this issue, you’ll read about a number of member companies that are utilizing tools in new ways and provide tips on protecting your data. They can help you keep up and get ahead — making our region's business community more competitive and ahead of the ever-changing technology curve.