Hettich’s Innovation Journey in Furniture & Hardware

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Ashish Agarwal, Head – Information Technology, Hettich

How does Hettich leverage technology to innovate in the hardware and furniture industry?

Hettich leverages technology in various ways to drive innovation in the hardware and furniture industry. We invest heavily in research and development to integrate cutting-edge technology into our products. For instance, our drawer systems and hinges incorporate advanced mechanisms for smooth operation and durability. Additionally, we utilize CAD software and 3D printing to streamline the design and prototyping process, allowing us to bring new products to market faster.

By continuously exploring new ideas and staying ahead of trends, Hettich has set a high standard for quality and innovation in the furniture hardware manufacturing sector.

Can you share insights on how IT is integrated into the design and manufacturing process at Hettich?

IT plays a crucial role in every stage of our design and manufacturing process at Hettich. We use sophisticated software for product design, simulation, and optimization. This helps us create innovative solutions while ensuring high-quality standards. In manufacturing, we employ automation and robotics to enhance efficiency and precision. Our IT infrastructure also facilitates seamless communication between design teams and production facilities, enabling us to swiftly implement design changes and improvements. We have leveraged IT in the following process:

We have integrated IT into our manufacturing processes by bridging the gap between IT and OT, ensuring seamless data exchange, and leveraging innovative connecting technology for furniture design and assembly.

What role does data analytics play in your decision-making processes, particularly in marketing and product development?

Data analytics is integral to our decision-making processes at Hettich, especially in marketing and product development. We collect and analyze data from various sources, including customer feedback, market trends, and sales data. This allows us to identify emerging customer needs, optimize product features, and target our marketing efforts more effectively. By leveraging data analytics, we can make data-driven decisions that drive growth and innovation.

How is Hettich addressing the digital transformation of the workplace, especially in the context of smart furniture and IoT?

Hettich is at the forefront of addressing the digital transformation of the workplace through smart furniture and IoT solutions. We integrate sensors and connectivity features into our furniture to create smart office environments. These solutions enable remote monitoring, control, and optimization of office spaces, enhancing comfort, productivity, and energy efficiency. By embracing digital transformation, we are shaping the future of the workplace to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Following are some innovation solutions:

Tomorrow’s Office: Flexibility and Collaboration:

Hettich envisions tomorrow’s office as being far more mobile, flexible, and collaborative. Whether working from home or in the office, the focus is on achieving a better work-life balance.

Smart Furniture and IoT Integration:

Hettich’s approach involves integrating IoT technology into furniture to enhance functionality and user experience.

Here are some examples of smart furniture solutions:

LG Styler:

This convenient styler eliminates unpleasant odours from jackets or blazers, ensuring a fresh and comfortable work environment in the office.

Caddy and Caddy Plus X:

The mobile Caddy can be wheeled to any location in the office. It provides a fold-out desk, allowing employees to work wherever they prefer or where project teams are sitting.

Office Lounger:

Recognizing the importance of well-being while working, Hettich offers office loungers. For many working from home, the sofa is the most comfortable place to work from.

Workstation Solutions:

Height-adjustable sitting/standing desks provide flexibility and accommodate individual preferences in work posture.

Locker Systems:

Personally assigned workstations are being replaced by shared spaces and desks used by different teams as needed.

Telephone Booths:

These versatile phone booths serve various purposes, from quiet phone calls to confidential meetings. They can be customized in size and interior outfit.

3D World Exploration:

Hettich invites users to explore their 3D world, where furniture exhibits and various solutions can be viewed from different perspectives.

What cybersecurity measures has Hettich implemented to protect its intellectual property and customer data?

Hettich takes cybersecurity very seriously to protect our intellectual property and customer data. We employ robust security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, to safeguard our IT infrastructure. Regular security audits and employee training ensure awareness and adherence to security protocols.

All intellectual work is considered as protected intellectual property. Intellectual property is protected by laws: such as copyright, trademark or patent laws – or as a business secret. We maintain this protection by not publishing or distributing intellectual property without permission.

Additionally, we closely monitor industry trends and collaborate with cybersecurity experts to stay ahead of emerging threats.

How has the adoption of cloud computing services affected your business operations and customer service?

The adoption of cloud computing services has significantly transformed our business operations and customer service at Hettich. Cloud-based solutions enable seamless collaboration, scalability, and accessibility across our global operations. We use cloud-based platforms for data storage, collaboration, and customer relationship management, improving efficiency and agility. Furthermore, cloud-based customer service tools enhance responsiveness and provide real-time support to our customers.

Cloud computing has enhanced our business efficiency by providing scalability, fostering digital transformation, enabling secure collaboration, and more. The solutions have empowered us to thrive in the modern landscape.

Can you discuss any recent IT projects that have significantly impacted Hettich’s efficiency or customer engagement?

Hettich has undertaken several recent IT projects that have significantly impacted our efficiency and customer engagement. For example, the implementation of an integrated ERP system has streamlined our internal processes, from order management to inventory control. This has resulted in improved operational efficiency and faster order fulfilment. Additionally, our adoption of AI-driven chatbots has enhanced customer support by providing instant assistance and resolving queries around the clock.

One of the recent projects is the HettichXperiencedays. This was a hybrid event platform that showcased Hettich’s expertise to a global audience.

• The event attracted 61,500 participants worldwide, demonstrating its extensive reach and the company’s ability to engage with a large audience.
• The hybrid format of the event was a novel concept, combining physical presentations with virtual formats and live acts.
• The dynamic platform principle of the event provided flexibility, allowing components to be combined in various ways to tailor the experience for different target groups.
• Over 1,000 showroom tours and individual events were organized, along with more than 250 theme-based workshops.
• Customers can explore the virtual presentation of trend domains in the “3D Xperienceworld”, which remains a highlight for discovering new design inspirations.

In what ways is Hettich utilizing AI and machine learning to stay ahead in the market?

Hettich harnesses the power of AI and machine learning to stay ahead in the market. We utilize AI algorithms to analyze customer data and predict trends, allowing us to tailor our products and services to meet evolving customer needs and explore the untapped markets. Machine learning algorithms are also employed in quality control processes to detect defects and optimize production parameters. By leveraging AI and machine learning, we continuously innovate and deliver value to our customers.

What is your approach to fostering innovation within the IT department at Hettich?

At Hettich, we foster innovation within the IT department through a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. We encourage our IT team to explore new technologies and methodologies through training programs and hackathons. Cross-functional collaboration between IT and other departments enables us to identify opportunities for innovation and drive meaningful change. Additionally, we provide resources and support for experimenting with new ideas and technologies to fuel creativity and innovation.

How do you envision the future of IT at Hettich, and what impact do you foresee it having on the industry as a whole?

The future of IT at Hettich is exciting, with the potential to revolutionize the furniture and hardware industry. We envision further integration of IoT and AI technologies into our products, creating smart, connected solutions that enhance functionality and user experience. Data analytics will play an even more significant role in driving innovation and personalization, allowing us to anticipate and meet customer needs proactively. Our commitment to embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation will continue to shape the industry, driving progress and delivering value to our customers.

The focus of the IT team will be on connectivity, automation, data-driven insights, and agility by embracing these trends we can drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and shape Hettich’s future.