Businesses can Contribute to a More Sustainable Future @Lenovo_Africa

Hi Guys, 

How sustainability became a foundational pillar to building a successful business and tips for incorporating more sustainable practices in the office and beyond

By Thibault Dousson, Services and Solutions Group Lead, Lenovo MEA

Businesses play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainability. By incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals into their operations, companies can make a positive impact while also gaining rapport with their customers.

By identifying the best ways to integrate ESG goals into their business strategies, companies can actively contribute to combating environmental challenges and build stronger relationships with their customers based on shared values of sustainability and responsible business practices. Here are some key areas for businesses to reflect on and consider when it comes to their ESG goals: 

Implement Sustainable Packaging

Reduce packaging or use recycled/reusable packaging where possible. In recent years, an increasing number of companies - from small start-ups to large corporations have made the switch from single-use plastic to more environmentally friendly materials in an effort to reduce their environmental impact and carbon footprint. Seek out FSC-certified packaging, look for plastic-free options, and if purchasing in large quantities, ask about bulk packaging to minimize waste.

In addition to the benefits of sustainable packaging, the optimization of the supply chain – choosing a mode of transportation that can help reduce carbon footprint such as ocean freight or cargo flights that use sustainable aviation fuel - can make a difference. 

Seek out More Sustainable Alternatives

Buy and use technology and products that prioritize sustainability. When in the market for new office necessities, be aware of recycled materials and components and make a conscious effort to seek out products that may be a more sustainable option.

Also, beware of “greenwashing” – when companies market their products to be more environmentally friendly than they actually are. With consumer demand exploding for more sustainable products, many marketers have pivoted their strategy to make theirs more appealing and at times, can over-state the true “green” aspects of said product – therefore, businesses and consumers alike should look for the details and a break-down of specifics behind every claim, particularly as new innovations emerge.

On that same note, companies should do their part and be careful on wording and use of terms like “environmentally friendly.” By its nature, technology and other related products are not friendly to the environment, but making significant efforts to reduce impact is what businesses should look for in vendors. Stay vigilant. 

Reduce Emissions When Possible

Work remote, when possible, to reduce emissions caused by commuting. With more and more companies - from large enterprises to small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) announcing their return to office – either in a hybrid or full-time capacity – many folks are back to spending a good chunk of their day driving to and from their jobs. If you and/or your employees have to commute, encourage alternative modes of transportation that can help reduce one’s carbon footprint: carpooling, public transportation, and low-emission/zero-emission cars are all great options to explore if compatible with your commute or budget.

Support Causes to Make an Impact

Donate to an environmental organization or cause that aligns with your brand. When thinking of the best ways for your business to support the sustainability cause, consider supporting an area where your brand can make an impact (i.e. automobile industry helping cut down emissions, CPG companies investing in recyclable packaging, etc.). If needed, also look for vendors who can assist or offer services to offset carbon emissions (such as Lenovo’s CO2 Offset Services,), especially for larger projects that need to be outsourced.

Ensuring an organic fit between your business and your cause will not only help the environment but also position your brand as an authentic partner in the collective effort to fight for sustainability.

Encourage Mindful Habits

Prevent over-consumption and wasteful practices. Regardless of how large or small your organization is, it’s key to reduce unnecessary waste. Incorporating simple practices such as encouraging the use of refillable water bottles, going paperless, or simply turning the lights off after leaving a facility may seem ridiculous to some but over time, can make a difference.

Lastly, encourage employees to bring forward their ideas for increasing sustainability in the office and beyond – that way no stone is left overturned or overlooked. When united with their body of employees, businesses are bound to establish a stronger response to combat over-consumption and waste.

Saving the planet is not just good for the world, it’s good for business – reflect on your sustainability goals this Earth Day to set your business up for long-term success that makes a lasting impact. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future while also reaping the rewards of a thriving and responsible business.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish

Thanks! Cheers!!!

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Technology in SA Classrooms – What Role Can Tech Companies Play? @Lenovo_Africa #Lenovo #Technology

Hi Friends, 

The topic of technology in our classrooms is not a new one, but it has of course resurfaced in recent months with the pandemic putting the focus squarely on digital in every arena in our lives. HolonIQ reports that schools and training centres are allocating more money and resources to digitise education, with global tech spend forecasted to increase from $152 billion in 2018 to $342 billion in 2025.

When it comes to tech and education in South Africa, however, one of the issues that are of concern to everyone is the widening of the digital divide. While for the lucky few the drive to digital became accelerated in some classrooms because of the pandemic, for many learners it remains painfully slow. South African learners were among the 1.5 billion students who were forced to stay home in 2020 due to school closures during the COVID pandemic. This figure, according to UNESCO, represents over 90% of the world’s learners.

Schools in our country are faced with multiple challenges in terms of education and tech, which all existed pre-pandemic. One of the most significant barriers is of course budget, which is at both individual school level and departmental level. Another is the use of technology, where decisions need to be made on what the specific needs of individual schools are and the best tech tools to address those gaps. For this to occur, accurate assessments on each school’s levels of technological readiness need to be conducted.

In addition, teachers need to be upskilled in the use of various technologies and this training needs to remain current as tools evolve. And last but definitely not least there is the hurdle of safety and security, where educational institutions with tech tools remain targets of theft.

Thibault Dousson, General Manager at Lenovo South Africa

There is much work to be done, therefore, before we start, or in some places continue, to institute technological transformation.

As with many issues that need to be tackled in our country, the partnership is key to addressing these challenges and helping us go beyond the white pages of the Education Charter. The primary way where a company like Lenovo can help in this drive to digital is access to technology and equipment. This access can take the form of providing infrastructures, such as servers, storage and connectivity; providing learning devices, namely PCs, tablets and laptops; as well as ensuring device security, for example, geolocation lock, passwords and other encryptions. Tech companies can also assist with deploying technological solutions and providing support.

On the other side of the partnership, coins are the Education Department and other stakeholders. While a company like Lenovo can facilitate access, the Department should focus on the learning and content side. This includes digitalising the content and curriculum, setting up the learning management system, providing training and development for teachers, and developing apps for learning.

What is important to bear in mind, too, is that digitising learning, as my comments above suggest, isn’t just about handing out tablets and putting PCs into classrooms. IT is the key to more efficient and effective productivity everywhere, and this is where the education ecosystem comes in. In my mind, this consists of four elements – infrastructure, administration, instruction and curricula. Good instruction, such as labs and libraries, for example, is only enhanced by digital textbooks, online coursework and online assessments. Solid IT infrastructure like data warehousing and servers make school administration like HR systems far better.

As a technology company, Lenovo uses an integrated product development process that brings together hardware, software, and security engineering expertise early and drives it throughout the design and development. Our security and compliance priorities are being built into marketing requirements and supported through the use of industry-standard certified components and features, and special attention is paid to BIOS design to ensure secure BIOS configuration and management. Design and engineering are done by qualified original design manufacturers (ODMs).

In addition, Lenovo is partnering with LanSchool, a software solution that delivers powerful digital classroom orchestration for teachers for both primary and secondary schools. It addresses control and security of students’ hardware, so is key for South African schools. We offer the first year for free when schools purchase our products.

I want to emphasise again that it is only through partnership and an appropriate assessment strategy that we can help to minimise the digital divide in our schools. A solid IT plan integrated into the Department of Education’s broader strategy is necessary to truly achieve transformation, and tech can help provide the tools to make education delivery stronger and more in line with a competitive world. We must remember, after all, that the future is global. South African children are not only competing against one another – they are in competition with kids from all four corners of the globe. According to Holon IQ, the next decade will see an additional 350 million post-secondary graduates across the globe.

Only a countrywide, integrated IT strategy in the classroom can truly help South Africa in its digital transformation drive.

It’s a huge task, but we at Lenovo are here to help.

Cheers!!!

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@Lenovo_Africa Brings World's First Foldable PC to #SouthAfrica #ThinkPadX1

Hi Friends, 

Lenovo has today announced that its latest technology breakthrough, the ThinkPad X1 Fold PC is soon landing in South Africa. The launch builds on Lenovo’s extensive history of evolving its ThinkPad sub-brand, leveraging the latest in foldable technology and connectivity to meet the requirements of agile working and staying connected while on the go.

Durable Design

The ThinkPad X1 reimagines the possibilities of mobile computing, by shifting from its compact and foldable form into a crisp 13.3-inch OLED display – weighing in at less than 1 kilogram. Constructed from lightweight alloys and carbon fibre, the X1 Fold offers both portability and durability, while its leather folio cover provides a premium look.

With more than four years of research and development behind the PC, the ThinkPad X1 Fold builds on the reliability and performance ThinkPad devices are synonymous with. The X1 Fold features multi-layer frames to support and protect the display, while a unique multi-link torque hinge mechanism ensures the smoothest folding experience. The OLED display has also undergone extensive performance and durability testing, ranging from ball dropping, to pen tapping and dynamic stress tests.

Seamless Performance

Co-engineered with Intel, the X1 Fold features an Always Connected PC, powered by Intel Core Processors with Intel Hybrid Technology. Users requiring additional speed and connectivity can also opt for a 5G-enabled version of the device.

For ease of use, the ThinkPad X1 Fold comes with unique mode-switching software, designed specifically for Windows 10. This technology enables the PC to seamlessly adapt to multiple use cases, depending on user preferences and their surrounding environment.

Multiple Modes

As an ultra-versatile device, the ThinkPad X1 Fold enables users to leverage two independent displays to optimize efficiency. Scenarios may include participating in a video call using the upper screen while taking notes or editing a presentation on the lower screen. Use cases include the flexibility to operate the X1 Fold in either portrait or landscape mode for added convenience.

When used in landscape mode, the integrated kickstand within the leather folio cover ensures optimal viewing angles. The X1 Fold comes with a Bluetooth Mini Fold Keyboard – a slim accessory that can be wirelessly charged inside the system and secured using magnets. For faster note-taking, signing of documentation and creative brainstorms, users can harness the Active Pen.

“Change-makers in South Africa has always been at the forefront of embracing new technologies to power their growth, which is why we are delighted to be launching this PC in the local market. The ThinkPad X1 Fold is unique in that it not only combines lightweight with durability, it also increases the screen size to enhance productivity – all while being easy to slip into a small bag. We look forward to seeing how users in the country leverage this device to accelerate their own achievements and we are confident in the positive impact it will make,” said Thibault Dousson, General Manager, Lenovo South Africa.

Pricing and Availability

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold is available for pre-order now and comes with a Bluetooth Mini Fold Keyboard and Active Pen.

To pre-order the world’s first foldable PC, please visit https://www.shoplenovo.co.za/lenovo-thinpad-x1-fold. South African pricing starts from R69,999 – price is dependent on configuration and exchange rate. These prices can be viewed using the same link Shop Lenovo link (above).

The X1 Fold will land in stores in early 2021.

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How Tech Companies Have Managed to Stay Relevant During Covid-19? @Lenovo_Africa

Hi Friends, 

Digital Transformation by Thibault Dousson, General Manager at Lenovo Southern Africa

Covid-19 has redefined what we previously deemed as normal in all aspects of our lives. It has thrust digital transformation to the forefront of the business arena and shown that if you cannot innovate and adapt to this new norm, then the end is imminent.

How consumers engage with businesses has also changed dramatically over the last few months, with technology and digital processes being more prevalent than ever. Companies that have been innovative, have made their products and services readily available, and could easily adapt to digital transformation stood a better chance of succeeding. Technology companies are a prime example of this, and they are well-positioned to thrive in this new norm.

Keeping up with times

The tech companies that continued to thrive throughout the pandemic are those that were poised for change. With consumers being home and already engaging in the digital space, whether it be for leisure or business, it was easy for tech companies such as Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft (with collaborative software) and Netflix to have a big financial and social impact. The result of this impact was driven by the services offered by these tech companies, as it was what consumers wanted and needed, thanks to the new reality created by COVID-19.

The repositioning of some of these companies was integral to their success, along with the use of e-commerce, collaboration with competitors, as well as thinking outside the box. A great example of this was Amazon. Even though the company’s business model is based on e-commerce, they still had to make a slight pivot when the pandemic hit. Amazon has never really done well in terms of food sales but by changing their business model to suit the needs of quarantined consumers, their sales skyrocketed.

Unfortunately, not all tech companies thrived during these times, mainly because their services were in opposition to Covid-19 lockdown regulations. Some examples here are tech companies associated with the tourism and transport industries. It is important that small businesses learn from these tech companies, the good and the bad lessons, as they have mapped out the blueprint of continuing to forge ahead even through adversity.

Survival, rather than growth, is at the forefront during a pandemic. And for a business to survive it is important to safeguard your business’ culture and reassure employees and customers of a better tomorrow while still making the pivotal shift to adapt to the times. Should a business reposition its tools and skills correctly, surviving undoubtedly turns into thriving?

Thibault Dousson, General Manager at Lenovo Southern Africa

Going increasingly digital

Working from home and going completely digital during the pandemic was something that Lenovo was ready for and all that was needed was to implement the structures that were already in place. Due to Lenovo being fully digitised, by the time the pandemic hit, the shift to employees working from home was seamless, and it was surprising just how much more productive everyone was under these circumstances.

However, once lockdown regulations were lowered, we became cognizant of the fact that some of our employees wanted to return to the office, under the correct protocols of course, as a result of their home working situations being less than ideal. This was due to a number of reasons, for example, lack of a proper workspace, distractions at home, or just needing to interact with co-workers. Collaborative work between co-workers and various teams was at the top of the reasoning list for employees to return to the office.

Although some of our employees choose to now be back at the office, our approach is still digital, especially as many people are still working from home. Lenovo has not lost any of the lessons taught by this lockdown and continues to look for more innovative and efficient ways of working that provide our people with more flexibility and choice.

The success of this model has also resulted in us at Lenovo investing more into digital marketing and training, which included our annual Lenovo South African Channel Award going completely virtual, with our resellers, retailers and distributors not missing a beat. The event saw over 500 partners were glued to their screen on the 3rd of September, proving our ability to be agile and adapt to the times, whilst keeping our key stakeholders engaged. Furthermore, we also underwent thorough online training to learn about the latest Lenovo product ranges and services via live online training sessions, with participation being incentivised using Lenovo care packages and prizes that were distributed ahead of every session. This new norm still drew upon the inspiration of a one-to-one experience without contravening any Covid-19 protocols.

Weathering the storm and where to

Moving forward, it is paramount for businesses to understand the importance of digital transformation. By leveraging technologies such as the cloud and other remote working tools, businesses will continue to evolve and thus stay relevant. Most of us take for granted how Zoom, Google Hangout and Microsoft Teams kept us in touch with the working world. Although they have always existed, they were underutilised and can be said to have been the best tech innovations during this Covid-19 period. These applications gave businesses the opportunity to continue to connect and function in a world that had come to a standstill.

Tech companies have always been a step ahead because of their already digitised systems. The future is digital, is your business ready to embrace it?

Cheers!!!

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Walking The Talk: User Experience Trends in #Voice & #Video By Thibault Dousson @Lenovo_Africa #DifferentIsBetter

Hi Friends,

Written by Thibault Dousson, General Manager, Lenovo South Africa & SADC

At the intersection of customer-centric innovation and user experience (UX), we’re also seeing some profoundly interesting trends developing in the global technology UX space, which are changing the way we interact with, and think about, computing.

While pointing, clicking, and typing still have their place, we’ve also cemented tapping and swiping into our collective consciousness in the past few years. Additionally, speaking is now becoming a fixture. Although the voice is not yet a popular interface in South Africa, I think it will soon grow in usage here, as voice and intelligent assistants continue to evolve at an impressive rate.

This makes sense for sheer convenience when you consider that research shows we can type about 40 words per minute, but can only speak about 150 words per minute comfortably. Soon, we won’t just use voice activation in smartphones, speakers, and cars, but far more ubiquitously with laptops, and multiple devices around the home and office.

Moving to multimodal input
In fact, our interaction with smart devices will become more multimodal, moving toward what is most natural for the user or the environment they are in. That means instead of using voice or keyboard and mouse or tapping and swiping in isolated ways – we’ll increasingly use them together in more layered ways (imagine touching the screen while voicing a command). We’re beginning to move in this direction with innovations like far-field mics facilitating voice-enabled intelligent AIs such as Cortana and Alexa in some of our Lenovo laptops because it can be easier to talk to your PC in addition to using a traditional input like the mouse. The layering of visual and audible content, as well as voice and touch, is another example because sometimes it’s just easier to tap the desired result versus saying a command out loud or glancing at the display for data instead of listening.

Overall, the voice is an area that still needs to evolve – and it will. We’re currently in what I call the ‘Wild, Wild West’ of voice. Just consider the multiple voice offerings all jostling for customer attention: Alexa, Cortana, Google Assistant, Siri, Bixby, and so on.

Choices to fit your needs
The unanswered question in the face of these options is chosen. In my view, consumers will not want to be confined to one ecosystem. I believe the longer-term winners in voice will be the companies that make offerings which are interoperable with others – like our latest ThinkPad X1 series and Yoga 730 that are Cortana and Alexa-ready. The point is to empower users to play music, get news, or shop online using just their voices. This reflects a shift that is redefining the PC to something much more than a work-focused or task-based machine; in various form factors, PCs will fit into your suite of home-based consumer products, capable of being your intelligent digital assistant and playing a role in running your home appliances – all via voice.

The evolution of sight + sound
This leads me to a point about a growing user experience trend around the integration of video and voice. Over the next year or so, when customers speak a command, we’ll increasingly see a tailored response applicable to that command. For example, a simple question might be answered solely by your voice assistant. But a more complex request may provide the user with a more rounded response: it could be a graphical visualization or even a video. In line with this direction is our new Lenovo Smart Display with Google Assistant built-in. It’s all about the evolution of sight and sound with the intention of saving a user’s time and making their home life smarter and more convenient by adding context-relevant visuals. Users will be able to begin their morning with the latest weather, traffic situation, and meeting schedules, or relax in the evening by video-calling friends and watching YouTube – once again, just by using their voice.

Changing orientations
We expect to see an increase in both video content and video usage frequency as this trend takes hold. Data suggests that smartphones are held in portrait mode up to 94% of the time – which has been driving the use of portrait video, given that smartphones are the dominant consumption device. As a result, more portrait video is showing up in other form factors such as laptops, tablets, desktops, and now in the Lenovo Smart Display that transitions seamlessly from landscape to portrait mode. And with millions of millennials live streaming and watching hours of videos online each day, we will see better cameras, better displays, more augmented reality (AR) video content, and more evolved AI that does a better job analyzing video to help with better user recommendations.

I’m excited about what these voice and video trends will bring. Expect users to become more willing and savvy as they use voice skills with devices in more sophisticated ways. And expect voice to become more intelligent and useful in AR settings, IoT applications in the smart home and office, and for handling the better cross-device interaction. Interesting times are ahead.

Cheers!!!

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Time, Comfort And Connection: The Root Of Future Devices @Lenovo_Africa #DifferentIsBetter

Hi Friends, 

The use of technology in modern life is evolving at an ever-increasing pace, and South Africa is catching up. Late last year, Google’s 2017 Connected Consumer Study revealed that 60 percent of South Africans now use a smartphone. In 2014, this number was just 47 percent.

This evolution is presenting new possibilities, pushing new behaviours, and expanding what we all expect from technology. Yet, in the midst of accelerating technological change, we are also seeing users tend towards solutions that simplify and streamline. In this respect, technological advances are enabling computing experiences to become better integrated into our lives.

Technology is now all around us, embedded in multiple and varied devices, and it makes us feel engaged and productive. It constantly presents us with new opportunities while adjusting our user behaviour in sometimes new and unexpected ways. Take for example how we stream content to a multitude of screens, or use smartphones to organise our lives and communicate via text and video with colleagues, friends, and family across a variety of apps. It is not surprising, then, that Google’s 2017 study also revealed that the number of connected devices per person in South Africa is 1.4, up from 0.8 just three years ago.

But how do we ensure that persistent “newness” and competition for our attention doesn’t come at a cost, distracting and removing us from living in the moment? As we explore how computing will evolve, we must re-set our focus on what matters most.

Lenovo’s global user experience team looks two to three years ahead, exploring the intersection of design and technology to help map the direction our organisation will take. The context here is the predicted desires and needs of consumers and the workforce, with the customer experience in ever-present focus.

Different Is Better and I am so much in love with this Quote from Lenovo

Through research and speaking with countless customers, we learned three things people value most when it comes to the technology they use: time, comfort, and connection. These are the elements that will drive personalised computing for Lenovo and our customers as technology continues to intelligently transform our lives.

We know the proliferation of digital devices is immense, and we know that trends such as livestreaming and the use of digital assistants are likely to grow. People tend to construct their own relationship with technology, using it in unique ways, often self-identifying via their device choices. And they place a premium on their ability to save time, connect with others, and enjoy the freedom to comfortably use their devices anywhere.

Time
Time is our most precious resource. Users clearly want to get the most out of their interaction with technology – streamlining tasks wherever possible, saving time, and making the most of each moment. I speak to customers who use apps like Waze to check the traffic up ahead on their chosen route, or who add items to an online groceries app rather than write them down or try and remember them later. Capturing ideas in the moment is a great example of how people are using technology to get more done in shorter time frames. PCs that are always on and ready to go with easy access to digital assistants and stronger collaboration solutions are going to change the way we streamline our tasks at hand.

Comfort
The dominant device today is the smartphone, often with a laptop and/or a tablet to go with it. So, we know with confidence that people are increasingly looking for portable technology – lightweight devices that provide the freedom and comfort to move around with ease. It’s interesting to see how and where user trends develop. For example, in China, the social media platform WeChat has huge numbers of users and this led to users there adopting large smartphone screens ahead of the west. What followed globally of course were bigger screens, still with comfort and freedom top of mind. At Lenovo, we’re also looking ahead at bendable and foldable form factors and on-screen experiences to help people to do more of the things they want in new and more comfortable ways.

Connection
Lastly, our research tells us people are looking for better quality and more enjoyable (and therefore more meaningful) connections via technology between friends, family, colleagues, customers, and partners. This is truly universal and something our business is focused on with our product development. Lenovo asks – how can we make your device experience more immediate when it comes to, for example, staying in close touch with friends and family overseas? And how do you drive a better human, collaborative experience overall in the office so that remote meetings that start on time and are not plagued by technical difficulties? We see a big opportunity at the intersection of personal and communal computing, creating better shared experiences to help families and friends stay closer, and to help distributed business teams collaborate more effectively.

Technology for technology’s sake should never be the goal. With time, comfort, and connection as the guiding principles and metrics in mind, we’re better placed to solve problems and create enhanced experiences. These are the issues that matter most to people, and what we believe will drive personalised computing over the next couple of years.

This article is written by Thibault Dousson, General Manager, Lenovo South Africa & SADC
Join them on LinkedIn, follow on Facebook or Twitter (@Lenovo) or visit at www.lenovo.com

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