Visiting the LGU+ DX Solution Experience Center
All Solutions Based on Communication Capabilities at Once
"Please enter the points you want to use using the button and then press the hashtag key. The points you entered are 8,000. Is that correct? The amount to be paid is 94,000 KRW."
On the 27th of last month, I visited the digital transformation (DX) solution experience center 'Biz DX+' located in the LG Uplus Yongsan building. I demonstrated a scene where liquid detergent was ordered by connecting to the AI Contact Center (AICC) while watching home shopping. The artificial intelligence (AI) carefully handled purchase quantity, points, card used, interest-free installment plans, delivery address, delivery schedule, and returns just as well as a human agent. The voice recognition accuracy was also high. This is a recently launched service that upgraded the existing on-premise service to a cloud-based subscription service. It has been adopted not only by LG Uplus customer centers but also by first-tier financial institutions.
Kwon Geun-seop, head of the Smart Factory Business at LG Uplus, is introducing the DX solution. [Photo by LG Uplus]
The 'Biz DX+' experience center was opened to allow corporate customers to vividly experience B2B services such as 5G, AI, big data, and smart factories, which are difficult to understand through traditional visual materials or verbal explanations. A total of 17 types of solutions are exhibited, divided into six zones: ▲Integrated Control Center ▲Production and Equipment Monitoring ▲Carbon Emission and Physical Security ▲Diagnostic and Safety Solutions ▲New Wired and Wireless Solutions ▲Dedicated Networks and DX Leading Companies.
Visitors can experience how the actual solutions are used on site. For example, the battery-free digital lock is demonstrated by placing a traditional key and the battery-free digital lock side by side to open a cabinet. Previously, it was inconvenient to find the correct key from a bunch of more than 10 keys. The encrypted battery-free digital lock can open all locks with access rights using a single smart key. If a lock without authorization is opened, an alarm sounds, and the platform records who opened it, ensuring safety.
In addition, motor diagnostics, equipment predictive maintenance, distribution panel diagnostics, smart safety, industrial refrigeration monitoring, and smart piping networks are exhibited with actual devices, and usage examples are explained through screens. These solutions can be integrated and monitored on a single screen. Kwon Geun-seop, head of LG Uplus Smart Factory Business, said, "It is not a problem to introduce just one solution, but if multiple are introduced, monitoring personnel have to look at each screen, which is very inconvenient. Our strength is connecting various solutions based on the telecom company's capabilities and providing them all at once."
Recently, the market has been expanding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies. Kwon said, "The barriers to adopting DX solutions are the investment cost burden and uncertain outcomes. We reduce the cost burden by offering subscription-type services like telecom fees, and propose products to customers with proven results used by LG Group companies." He added, "Mid-sized companies face difficulties due to a lack of DX specialists, but we solve this by providing turnkey solutions." Based on abundant references, about 5 to 6 years ago, 90% of B2B sales came from group companies, but now external customers account for 60% of sales.
The new exhibition hall was originally a place to introduce IPTV and other B2C telecom and media products. They made a bold choice focusing on market growth potential. Kwon said, "B2B sales account for about one-quarter of total company sales, but considering future growth potential, it could exceed half. At the COEX Smart Factory Exhibition held in March, about 10,000 people visited the LG Uplus booth over three days, showing strong corporate demand. Since opening the exhibition hall on the 4th of last month, about 50 customer companies have visited." Initially focused on manufacturing customers, now companies from distribution, service industries, and various sectors come first.
Kwon said, "What telecom companies can do best is connect individual solution providers' sensors and devices to the telecom network and provide a management system that allows customers to view them integrated. We will provide solutions for digital transformation from A to Z."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
