PEX Network’s weekly news bulletin rounds up the latest from the process community including operational excellence (OPEX), digital transformation, business process management (BPM), process mining, artificial intelligence (AI) and much more.
This week includes:
- DORA deadline nears
- DXC expands partnership with Ferrari to redefine in-vehicle experiences
- Johns Hopkins partners with Workday to advance business modernization goals
- Google Cloud debuts automotive AI agent with Mercedes-Benzes integration
- Doug Shannon joins Forbes Technology Council
DORA deadline nears
The EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) takes effect on January 17, 2025, requiring financial institutions and ICT providers to enhance cybersecurity and operational resilience or face steep fines — up to €5,000,000 for critical third parties or 2 percent of annual turnover for firms.
“DORA was designed to reduce operational disruption,” says Jason Smith, Senior Principal at Conga. “The penalties for noncompliance are severe, especially for critical third parties.”
DORA applies broadly to banks, cryptocurrency firms and ICT providers, demanding risk management, rapid incident reporting within four hours and data protection. Compliance is a continuous process, requiring firms to refine frameworks and prepare for evolving regulations.
“Resilience is more than ticking boxes,” notes Lee Wright, Senior Security Consultant at tmc3. “It’s about proving to clients and regulators that your organization takes security seriously.”
Firms are racing to close gaps, with best practices including automating risk management, securing sensitive data and prioritizing recovery strategies. As Smith emphasizes, “DORA is not a one-time effort but a long-term commitment to security.” The deadline marks a shift, making operational resilience a strategic imperative for the financial sector.
DXC expands partnership with Ferrari to redefine in-vehicle experiences
DXC Technology has extended its collaboration with Ferrari to develop next-generation Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems, enhancing the driving and infotainment experience in Ferrari’s high-performance vehicles. DXC aims to deliver innovative software solutions tailored to Ferrari's standards of luxury and performance. This partnership has already produced significant advancements, including DXC’s software for the F80 supercar, which debuted in October 2024.
The F80’s “digital cockpit” integrates cutting-edge technology to deliver a seamless and immersive driving experience. Designed for both road and track, its displays offer real-time performance metrics such as speed, G-force and tire pressure, transforming into a racing-focused interface during track use. According to Ferrari’s Chief R&D Officer Ernesto Lasalandra, DXC’s contributions accelerate software innovation and usability, aligning with Ferrari’s vision for its vehicles.
Luz G. Mauch, DXC’s Executive Vice President of Automotive & Manufacturing, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in redefining driver experiences for decades to come. By integrating advanced functionality and performance data visualization, DXC and Ferrari are setting a new benchmark for luxury automotive technology.
Johns Hopkins partners with Workday to advance business modernization goals
Johns Hopkins University and Health System have selected Workday's cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions as a cornerstone of their Sightline Business Modernization Program. This move aims to streamline human resources, finance and supply chain management processes while enhancing data governance, compliance and visualization. Workday’s AI-driven platform will replace decades-old systems, enabling Johns Hopkins to unify and modernize their operations across its educational and healthcare branches, according to a press release.
The Sightline program highlights Johns Hopkins' commitment to innovation and operational excellence (OPEX). By adopting Workday's Human Capital Management, Financial Management, Supply Chain Management for Healthcare and Grants Management tools, the organization aims to foster efficiency, scalability and improved experiences for faculty, staff and students. Michael Hofherr, senior vice president at Workday, highlighted the platform's adaptability for higher education and healthcare, emphasizing its role in future-proofing operations and driving growth.
With this collaboration, Johns Hopkins joins over 10,500 organizations worldwide utilizing Workday’s advanced solutions to integrate financial, workforce and operational data. This partnership reflects a shared vision to elevate organizational capabilities and create transformative impacts across industries.
Google Cloud debuts automotive AI agent with Mercedes-Benzes integration
Google Cloud has launched its innovative Automotive AI Agent, powered by Gemini with Vertex AI, to redefine in-car voice assistants. This cutting-edge generative AI platform allows automakers to create personalized, intuitive and conversational in-car agents that surpass traditional voice controls. Offering multimodal reasoning and multilingual support, the AI enables natural conversations and complex queries such as, “Is there an Italian restaurant nearby?” with follow-ups like, “Does the restaurant have good reviews?” or “What is the most popular dish there?”
Mercedes-Benz is among the first to integrate this technology into its MBUX Virtual Assistant, debuting in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA later this year. Enhanced by Google Maps Platform data, the MBUX Virtual Assistant will deliver real-time, comprehensive information about points of interest, traffic conditions and more. The AI’s ability to handle multi-turn dialogue and remember conversations ensures a seamless, responsive experience for drivers and passengers alike.
This collaboration between Google Cloud and Mercedes-Benz highlights the potential for generative AI to transform in-car interactions, offering a blend of convenience, personalization and cutting-edge technology tailored to modern driving needs.
Doug Shannon joins Forbes Technology Council
Doug Shannon, a recognized leader in intelligent automation and generative AI and a member of PEX Network's advisory board, has been invited to join the Forbes Technology Council, an exclusive network of top technology executives and innovators. Known for pioneering frameworks like the GAAA Model (Gauge, Analyze, Automate, Adapt), Shannon has been consistently recognized among the top intelligent automation and OPEX leaders.
“Joining the Forbes Technology Council is an honor and an opportunity to collaborate with industry visionaries,” Shannon stated. As a leader in digital transformation, Shannon’s work continues to push boundaries in AI ethics, self-healing automation and cybersecurity. Through his role on the council, he aims to further his mission of driving innovation and building resilient, autonomous enterprises.
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