By Olivier Helterlin, CEO PTC France
2023 seems to have been the year of AI, thanks in particular to the emergence of generative artificial intelligence, of which ChatGPT is emblematic. In reality, many other changes have marked the past year, and the same will probably be true for the year to come. Indeed, the major trends in digital transformation in 2024 are not limited to the most high-profile factors. Other, lesser-known forces are also helping to shape them: product development in Agile mode, reinforced synergy between hardware and softwareThese include sustainable development, the evolution of organizational methods driven by new generations, space computing, cybersecurity and, of course, AI.
Product development will be carried out in Agile mode
Agile principles have already revolutionized the world of software, and in 2024, they're set to conquer the world. hardware (physical objects and equipment). But what do they cover? Essentially, it's about working in continuous, iterative development cycles, rather than in successive stages of approval. The Agile method encourages daily communication, continuous feedback and rapid inter-departmental collaboration towards an agreed, quantifiable goal. Companies that truly adopt the Agile method in the creation of their physical products observe an acceleration of development cycles and a standardization of production rhythms. At the same time, they see their risk levels and time-to-value reduced.
When software and hardware become inseparable
In 2024, as software continues to conquer new territories, including in objects and equipment, collaboration between software and product teams will increase. This synergy puts the spotlight on application lifecycle management, particularly for development control, maintenance and regulatory compliance, to the benefit of better communication and fewer incidents. Although application lifecycle management is not intrinsically Agile, its principles and methods often overlap. All the more reason to adopt it on the Agile side. hardware.
The use of AI will not become widespread without difficulties
2023 was an exceptional year for AI, and the momentum shows no sign of slowing. However, the future will not be rosy, but full of challenges.
A legal battle is underway. Authors, artists and creators are adamant that their life's work should not be exploited without consent or compensation. Given the fervor of the confrontations, it's hard to imagine that the use of generative AI will not be influenced by some form of regulation.
Nevertheless, AI offers many advantages that make it irresistible to businesses. Indeed, it enables them to improve their products and make them more intelligent, while freeing their employees from repetitive tasks requiring the processing of large volumes of data, impossible to achieve by a human. In the manufacturing industry, its use covers wider applications, such as product design, quality control and maintenance. AI is probably the most versatile and powerful tool ever created by mankind. 2024 will undoubtedly be a pivotal year, defining both the prospects and the limits of AI. Whatever happens, humans will remain the architects and decision-makers!
The implementation of sustainable practices will intensify
While environmental awareness presents challenges, it also offers real opportunities for companies. The pressure exerted is an incentive to perform, and the data confirms it: companies committed to a truly sustainable strategy often outperform their competitors. In concrete terms, this means implementing solutions that enable :
- right from the design phase, anticipate and optimize the product's environmental impact through the choice of components and raw materials, its manufacturing method and its maintenance process,
- measure real impact throughout the life cycle.
Sustainability will no longer be seen as an option, or even a constraint. Companies that are proactive in this area, and make it a central focus of their digital transformation, will derive a competitive advantage and a major asset in attracting talent.
The changing workforce will challenge mindsets
Generation Z will one day make up the entire new workforce. However, the facts are clear: these new digital-born talents are arriving on the job market, and traditional ways of working are not meeting their expectations. Each generation is shaped by the world in which it grew up, and Generation Z is sensitive to climate change, social responsibility, flexibility and digital work processes.
This generation is more likely to shake up work methods and breathe new life into organizations.. Generation Alpha and beyond will only accentuate this preference for digitalized tools and work environments that promote collaboration, sustainable design methods, Agile principles and the widespread use of AI for certain tasks.
Space transformation takes off
In 2015, the Oculus Rift marked a turning point, and very recently, the Apple Vision Pro device confirmed the breakthrough of augmented reality in professional environments. These technologies herald a new era: digital becomes spatial.
The addition of a spatial context enables users to interact with data and content, both more easily and more effectively. It optimizes remote maintenance and collaboration: users experience the space as if they were there.
In the making for several years now, the space revolution is laying the technological foundations that will propel the digital experience to new horizons. So far, the movement has been slow and gradual. But its acceleration will be driven by the development of hardware and augmented reality software, facilitating its adoption in the professional world.
Cybersecurity will remain at the heart of digital development
AI is a double-edged sword. With its emergence, cybercrime is gaining in sophistication. At the same time, it is being used to test and refine data protection. However, this trend is part of a wider evolution: that of the "Secure by design" concept. Faced with the increasing number and severity of cyber-attacks, IT developers are now integrating security into the software design phase.
This proactive approach strengthens infrastructures and reduces the risk of accidental data breaches and malicious activity. As security by design becomes the norm, companies can move towards "cyber resilience", which, in addition to being a priority for the future, is becoming an additional asset driven by global digital transformation.
2024 is not just about digital transformation. Nothing exists in a vacuum, and many innovations are directly correlated with each other. AI, for example, will bring its share of changes to the world of work, play a crucial role in improving existing workflows and open up new business opportunities. The same goes for space computing, agility and the growing interest in sustainable development. There will probably be some surprises in 2024, but one thing is certain: digital technology will continue to transform the physical world.