Even after implementing process orchestration software, many key processes in companies are still manual. Because many of these processes directly impact the velocity and cost-efficiency of the business, some leadership teams are leveraging robotic process automation, intelligent process automation and other specialized artificial intelligence-based solutions to help. To reap the potential benefits of such solutions, however, I believe it is time for the rise of the CAO: chief automation officer. Sure, vice president-level automation jobs are available, and you might even be wondering, "Isn't this the CIO's job or the CDO's?" While both positions deal with tech and the position of chief digital officer was created to bring in new digital solutions, in my experience, neither role is focused on the strategy of automation.

In my experience as a business transformation solutions expert, I know that deals are only closed when both buyer and seller see the value. For the seller, this means optimizing revenues and margins. To do this consistently, enterprises must not only know what solutions to offer their customers but also be able to gauge their customers' willingness to pay. In a competitive environment where many players offer similar services and solutions, the ability to consistently offer a price that is well within the customer's zone of price comfort is vital to success. Enterprises in the business to business (B2B) space generally have well-defined policies that govern not only pricing and margin requirements but also discounts, preferential payment terms, and so on.

There has been a lot written about the future of retail, whether it's in an apocalypse, whether it's dying, or whether it's in a dip. People wonder if shrinking malls are a harbinger of things to come, and if Main Street and Anchor Stores will be subsumed by online e-commerce giants with same-day shipping. I've seen more than one headline talking about the'changing shape of retail.' The truth is, shopping hasn't changed. The traditional model of retail has changed. There will always be a demand for shopping centers.