Dimension Data has presented their Connected Solutions at the two-day Saphila 2017 conference, and is taking the world of cycling by storm.
Dimension Data, together with SAP, is using the power of technology to transform sport in many aspects.
The term ‘digital disruption’ is too often over-used as a buzzword for everything from small changes or innovations within a company to aggressive technology-based market behaviour.
However, Dimension Data defines Digital Disruption as a phenomenon whereby a company or market is radically disrupted as a result of a fundamental change in the competitive landscape due to the innovative application of a technology-based solution.
Dimension Data and SAP’s strategic partnership provides the sport and entertainment industry with a world-leading technology solution.
Dimension Data’s Sports Practice currently offers technology solutions across key ‘pillars’ of sport, including the Connected Stadium, Connected Fan, and Connected Athlete.
“While the global sports industry is big business, it continues to still grow in the digital age. As this growth accelerates, so more technology is being incorporated into a digitally-driven experience – from participation to administration and as more technology is introduced into sport, so the viewership, popularity, and ultimately revenue, increases,” says Scott Gibson, Dimension Data’s Group Executive – Digital Practice.
Fans today expect more access to content anytime, anywhere, the younger fans want free and easy access to all forms of content online, while connecting with their favourite players/ riders and teams in real-time.
Fans even want to control their own content and all this is being made possible through disruptive technology.
It’s all about improving the game day experience to the fan.
This technology provides an entire infrastructure to improve the customers fan experience.
The mobile app, based on SAP technology that provides information, gathers critical data at gates and food stalls to see how many fans already entered the arena.
This breakthrough innovation simplifies not just the viewing experience but the entire customer experience form arrival to departure.
“It is focused on huge simplification and providing a pro-active solution to handle issues even before they arise,” adds Scott.
The future of fan experiences around live sporting events is not just about interactive score boards and better access to video replays.
Athlete’s performance can be tracked, monitored, displayed and analysed both in and out of the stadium.
With the upcoming Tour de France, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka is also utilising technology to improve performance.
Through analysis software, studying by correspondence, body composition tests etc, cyclists are able to improve their performance and so are given a competitive edge.
The power output analyses competition to see what happens to them, with an in detail helicopter view, to show riders where they were slipping.
These facts and analytics were also intrigueing to fans and is now on demand.
What’s new with Dimension Data Tour de France Technology in 2017
- Data Analytics: Machine learning and predictive data analysis.
- Internet of Things: New TV graphics, post stage replay, Race Centre with predictive analytics and live video streaming.
- Hybrid IT: Fully Cloud-based, virtualised data centre
- Digtal workspace: Hyperconnected collaboration hubs connectin the Client Experience Centre and the big data truck.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting greater volumes of free-flowing race data, preventing intrusions following higher brand awareness.
This technology allows teams to analyse competition and make informed decisions and will further contribute to give them a competitive edge.
For more information visit the Dimension Data website.