Bekaert is a global market and technology leader in material science of steel wire transformation and coating technologies. Having driven digitalization in Bekaert for over three years, Van Craen shared his insights on how the technology is key to evolve global communities seeking new solutions.

1. How Bekaert leverages digital to go
beyond steel
Gunter Van Craen, CDIO of Bekaert, discusses driving
digital transformation through technology

2. Today, the world is on the precipice of the fifth industrial revolution or Industry
NeXT — the era of human and machine collaboration. Digital transformation
is charting the course in the field of material science by remodeling the
world’s base materials.

3. With technological advancements taking centerstage,
companies like Bekaert are establishing innovative
approaches that leverage digital technologies to enhance
efficiency, quality and sustainability in the traditional world
of material science and steel industry.
In a recent interview, HCLTech Trends and Insights
spoke to Gunter Van Craen, the Chief Digital and
Information Officer (CDIO) of Bekaert.

4. Bekaert is a global market and technology leader in material
science of steel wire transformation and coating
technologies. Having driven digitalization in Bekaert for over
three years, Van Craen shared his insights on how the
technology is key to evolve global communities seeking new
solutions.

5. Bekaert's approach to technology and innovation
Companies across industries are striving to harness the
power of technology to drive innovation, enhance efficiency
and create new value propositions. Bekaert is no exception.
Under Van Craen's leadership, the company has embarked
on a transformative digital journey that is reshaping its core
processes, products and customer experiences.

6. Van Craen emphasized that Bekaert's approach to technology is firmly
rooted in delivering business value. He stated: "We start with identifying
where we can make the biggest impact from a business perspective
and then work our way back into technology." This pragmatic approach
means that they are not merely chasing tech trends but aligning
technology with specific business needs.

7. Distinguishing between mere hype and transformative trends is
challenging as technology changes every month. Van Craen
acknowledges this reality, noting that new technology trends
seem to emerge every six months. The critical task for his
organization is to discern which technologies have the potential to
positively disrupt the industry.

8. “We continuously scan new technologies and assess the
potential impact on our industry. We've embraced IoT and
AI, utilizing them to optimize operations and transform
product portfolios into smart, connected offerings,” added
Van Craen.

9. For instance, Bekaert leverages IoT to connect its machines,
generating valuable data that fuels AI and machine learning
models. This data-driven approach allows them to optimize
operations. At the same time the IoT platform also opens the
potential to provide innovative services like predictive
maintenance.

10. Cybersecurity and maintaining trust in the digital era
Digitalization and advancements in technologies like next-
generation security controls, artificial intelligence (AI),
automation and rapid adoption of IoT have created a highly
complex environment for organizations. Van Craen
emphasized that while organizations pursue digital
transformation, it's equally important to strengthen
cybersecurity measures.

11. Cybersecurity and maintaining trust in the digital era
To safeguard operations and sensitive data, Bekaert has
strengthened its cybersecurity capabilities in collaboration
with partners like HCLTech and other multiple partners. This
includes deploying technical safeguards, improving incident
response procedures and enhancing employee awareness.

12. Cybersecurity and maintaining trust in the digital era
He underlined the importance of “balancing technical
capabilities with human awareness,” acknowledging that
employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity.
However, he stressed that by taking a comprehensive
approach to cybersecurity, adopting flexible solutions and
enabling cybersecurity awareness and training, organizations
can prevent, detect and rectify security incidents.

13. Bekaert's focus on sustainability
While talking about Bekaert’s commitment to sustainability
that is evident in its products and services, Van Craen
explained: “How we create products and what products we
create is important to us.”

14. Bekaert's focus on sustainability
The organization is exploring how its expertise can be
harnessed to develop products that help reduce
environmental impact. For instance, when it comes to
providing concrete reinforcement, Bekaert’s product, Dramix®
helps reduce the CO2 emissions of construction projects by
up to 35%.

15. Bekaert's focus on sustainability
Van Craen highlighted several key initiatives that are part of
the company’s sustainability strategy “Creating a better
tomorrow”. We launched a global program called ‘You Know
Watt’ to gradually reduce the company’s energy consumption
and use energy more efficiently in the plants. This initiative
not only aligns with sustainability goals but also brings
economic benefits, demonstrating that sustainability and
profitability can coexist,” he said.

16. Bekaert's focus on sustainability
In addition to environmental sustainability, the organization
also focuses on diversity and inclusion and community
relations. The company is actively involved in integrated
reporting, a critical step in transparently conveying its
sustainability efforts in financial statements, reinforcing
commitment to sustainable practices.

17. Talent acquisition in the tech frontier
Recognizing the global nature of talent, Bekaert recruits
worldwide. They are also dedicated to building a more diverse
tech workforce. “We aim to showcase the appeal of joining a
company which is driving digital transformation, innovation
and sustainability. By leveraging online channels and
fostering a domino effect through employee referrals, we
have been successfully expanding our talent pool,” he
continues.

18. Talent acquisition in the tech frontier
“Partnerships with firms like HCLTech are integral to our
talent strategy. By fostering a sense of identity and belonging
within the Bekaert family, we enable the team members who
are employed by our partners, to better understand and align
with the company's goals, ensuring a seamless collaboration,”
added Van Craen.

19. Talent acquisition in the tech frontier
In a world marked by growing sustainability concerns, Van
Craen’s insights shed light on how Bekaert is navigating the
intersection of innovation, sustainability and technology to
stay ahead in a dynamic industry. Bekaert continues to set an
example for companies seeking to harness technology for a
better, more sustainable future.

20. Thanks