Editorial

by Thomas Kilimann

Dear Readers,

A single word was enough for Thomas J. Watson to shape one of the most significant corporate histories of the 20th century: THINK. For decades, the verb was prominently displayed throughout IBM’s facilities—in all capital letters, as a powerful call to action. For Watson, thinking was more than a cognitive process. He saw it as a moral and entrepreneurial duty—and turned it into a motto that inspired generations of entrepreneurs, engineers, and creative visionaries.

THINK, in Watson’s sense, means rethinking, thinking ahead, and asking questions. How do we want to live? How do we take responsibility? Where do we want to go? And how? Questions like these also drive the debate on electric mobility. It means far more than a technical update to the powertrain. It is an expression of a profound transformation that clearly focuses on efficiency, climate protection, and innovation.

THINK

Thomas J. Watson

Thomas J. Watson (1874–1956) was an American entrepreneur who
transformed IBM, a small punch-card manufacturer, into the world’s leading
technology company.
His leadership motto, “Think,” shaped the company’s culture
and established him as a pioneer of modern management methods.

Those who take Watson’s motto seriously do not use new technology to mask outdated structures. Rather, they seek to combine sustainability and progressive methods with the mobility culture of the future. Take the BMW Group, for example, which took a groundbreaking step toward electric mobility at its Landshut facility. You can read more about this in the cover story of this issue of our customer magazine // plus.

Another feature in this issue also focuses on e-mobility: the optimization of warehouse logistics at thyssenkrupp Automotive Body Solutions. The same applies to the article on risk management for resilient supply chains. Dr. Riedel from PKF also addresses electric cars in his guest column, reporting on new regulations regarding their depreciation.

In addition, this issue features news on the cutting-edge topic of VR, appropriate measures for projects that require speed—and much more. I hope you enjoy reading this issue! As always, if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me. My colleagues are also always happy to hear your concerns.

Just give us a call—or write to:

kundenmagazin(at)io-group.com
I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely, Thomas Kilimann