Subject category:
Strategy and General Management
Published by:
International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
Version: 12.10.2017
Length: 14 pages
Data source: Field research
Abstract
The case describes how Bossard Group, a Swiss family company, originally active in reselling of fastening products, achieved an effective digital transformation through a successful step-by-step evolution of its business model, acquiring valuable knowledge about its clients' behaviors and needs and implementing new technologies. This real-life example shows how an incumbent company can reinvent itself, not by a one-shot radical transformation, but rather by well-thought-out and ambitious, yet coherent, strategic moves, each building up to effectively leverage the key capabilities created by the previous stages of the company's evolution. The case also provides an opportunity to discuss the fascinating and real issues Bossard encountered when leveraging IoT and big data to create and capture value. The discussion shows that the use of IoT in Bossard's supply chain would not be considered a disruption according to Clayton Christensen's definition. However, if Bossard successfully enters the market for hospital logistics, disruption may occur.
Location:
Industries:
Size:
Over 2,000 employees in over 26 countries. 2016 sales of CHF 695 million and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of CHF 78.5 million.
Other setting(s):
2015-2016
About
Abstract
The case describes how Bossard Group, a Swiss family company, originally active in reselling of fastening products, achieved an effective digital transformation through a successful step-by-step evolution of its business model, acquiring valuable knowledge about its clients' behaviors and needs and implementing new technologies. This real-life example shows how an incumbent company can reinvent itself, not by a one-shot radical transformation, but rather by well-thought-out and ambitious, yet coherent, strategic moves, each building up to effectively leverage the key capabilities created by the previous stages of the company's evolution. The case also provides an opportunity to discuss the fascinating and real issues Bossard encountered when leveraging IoT and big data to create and capture value. The discussion shows that the use of IoT in Bossard's supply chain would not be considered a disruption according to Clayton Christensen's definition. However, if Bossard successfully enters the market for hospital logistics, disruption may occur.
Settings
Location:
Industries:
Size:
Over 2,000 employees in over 26 countries. 2016 sales of CHF 695 million and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of CHF 78.5 million.
Other setting(s):
2015-2016