Nicholas Steven Susanto's Blog

We are currently living in the era that is soon to be a new age of human history, “Augmented Age”, where our human ability will be augmented by computational thinking, and robotic systems that will help us create tools that could not have been created without the cooperation of humans, robots, and AI. Computers are now making the leap from passive to generative. Generatively design computers use its algorithms to synthesize geometry to come up with an intuitive and optimized design all by themselves with the given goals and constraints.

In the following blog, the author shows a project by Bandito Brothers, a L.A. based company where they teamed up with several digital companies to make the best possible car chassis. They installed multiple of digital nervous system around a traditional car chassis to record every motion of the car for a week in the desert. As a result, the digital nervous system captured 4 billion of data that was use to fed to a generative design AI, “DreamCatcher”.

With the data provided, the AI intuitively generates a model that no human can possibly think of with having a power-to-weight ratio to that of a Ferrari, however, weighing only 1000 pounds (Terdiman, 2015). Then robots print every single part of the chassis following a vector representation using a 3D printer, in which standard machines are limited to build a complex geometry structures that includes holes that change direction, unrealistic overhangs, or square interior cavities.

Humans have a tendency to over-designed and over-engineered products. This is where generative technology has the key advantages: it produces products with less materials which leads to a lighter and cheaper products to manufacture, yet having the same strength or stronger (Conti, 2016).

It is made possible because the algorithm behaves similarly to that of evolution and nature, where it is dense at points of stress but lighter everywhere else. This is a game changing invention for automotive and aerospace manufacturers. Reducing a certain percentage of the weight will make a huge difference for efficiency and emissions, which ultimately helps the transportation industry to cut down the cost and develop a price competitive advantage against their competitors. Moreover, the combination of generative technology and 3D design could disrupt the market in the way they are producing goods in a faster rate and also having it optimized.

If these generative technology is going to be produced at a higher scale, it would totally change the key activities, key resources and customer segments of a company’s Business Model Canvas. They will shift to a higher customer segments in which they will provide a more personalized products. Overall I think that Generative Technology will both shape the world dramatically by redefining how humans will work and opening greater doors in the future.

 

 

 

Words Count: 450

Sources:

HackRod. (n.d). HackRod La Bandita Speedster. Retrieved from http://hackrod.com/

Pette, B. (2016).  Where VR Meets the Road: How GPUs Power ‘Hack Rod’, World’s First AI-Generated Car. Retrieved from https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2016/07/26/hack-rod-car-ai/

Vijay. (2015).  Meet Hack Rod, the world’s first car designed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Retrieved from https://www.techworm.net/2015/12/meet-hack-rod-the-worlds-first-car-designed-by-artificial-intelligence-ai.html

Scott, C. (2016). Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence and 3D Printing Team Up for the Production of the World’s First AI-Engineered Car. Retrieved from https://3dprint.com/143821/hack-rod-ai-engineered-car/

HackRod Is Rethinking The Way Car Manufacturing Happens. (2017). Retrieved from http://gas2.org/2017/03/27/hack-rod-rethinking-car-manufacturing/

Conti, M. (2016). The Incredible Inventions of Intuitive AI. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/maurice_conti_the_incredible_inventions_of_intuitive_ai#t-207552

 

 

 

Humans will leave footprints and fingerprints whenever we work, and we would not be surprised when anyone could determine where we had been. In the digital world, every single of us leave both electronic footprints and fingerprints in regards of data trails that we leave either intentionally or unconsciously. Such data, can be represented as cookies.

In her blog post, Kitty, talks about the effects of cookies in the business world. She said that utilizing cookies as a means to generate company’s revenue through targeting ads is unethical business behavior. I definitely agree with her, nevertheless, cookies are invented for a reason.

The invention of cookies allows us to give access to others to our personal information that would save us time on daily activities. Cookies used to store usernames, addresses and even payment information on websites allow us to check out much faster, however, it forces us to give up a certain level of privacy. Companies and advertisers want access to it to make money, and we often give it to them to save money of our own. To make this possible, some companies are offering discounts if you are to provide your name and email address in which the company will use the information regarding your shopping history to provide a more personalized experience for you. In other words, they are simply paying us to help them improve their business strategy.

Undoubtedly, an online based company is more profitable than that of offline. AdSense, one of Google’s projects, generated 91% of Google’s total revenue in 2013 while using cookies to track their users and serve advertisements that was applicable to the customers (Chapter 2: Careful, Your Data is Showing, 2015). The question is that why would a company like Google both take profit from their customers information and be so active against government exploiting user privacy through PRISM ? It seems that companies only care about privacy and security when it is only to their benefit to do so.

I personally think that it is ethical for the company to use our information to provide a personalized approach that will benefit both the customers and the companies. However, companies need to state clearly if they are using our personal information to sell to third parties to target ads, and they should provide an option for the customer to opt out.

Overall, cookies are going to make web browsing much more pleasurable experience by saving the user preferences and it also provides a platform for marketers to target adverts of the things customer will most likely buy. Consumers should not worry too much about anything over a network security risks from cookie poisoning and privacy concerns, for they can use an incognito browser, cookie-free browser, or simply by switching it off.

 

 

 

Words Count: 447

 

Geary, J. (2012). DoubleClick (Google): What is it and What does it do? Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/apr/23/doubleclick-tracking-trackers-cookies-web-monitoring

Chapter 2: Careful, Your Data is Showing! (2015). Retrieved from http://newbitsbook.com/index.php?title=Chapter_2:_Careful,_Your_Data_is_Showing!

Liu, Y. (2012).  The Pros and Cons of Browser Cookies: A Google Story. Retrieved from https://www.internetmarketinginc.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-cookies-a-google-story/

The Oracle Data Cloud Registry – putting consumers in control of their digital footprint. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.bluekai.com/registry/

Chen & Singer. (2016). Free Tools to Keep Those Creepy Online Ads From Watching You. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/18/technology/personaltech/free-tools-to-keep-those-creepy-online-ads-from-watching-you.html?contentCollection=smarter-living&_r=0

BuzzRecruiter. (2016). Retrieved from https://buzzrecruiter.com/how-to-hard-refresh-or-clear-your-cache-on-your-computer-buzzrecruiter/

Griffith, E. (2017). How to Clear Your Cache on Any Browser. Retrieved from  https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2480401,00.asp

 

 

 

When you think of basketball, you will think of Nike and NBA. Starting this 2017-2018 season, NBA has signed a new deal with Nike. Nike and NBA were already essentially connected with 75% of the league wearing its shoe, and it also reps the majority of the major players such as: Lebron James, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook (Alsher, 2015). Thus, creating an official partnership will benefit each greatly in both increased in distribution and international awareness.

NIKExNBA is ushering in a radical evolution of the fan experience by introducing the Nike NBA Connected Jersey. Nike NBA Connected Jersey is the first NFC built in jersey that gives wearer an all access pass into their world of their favourite team and player.

The new uniform is comprised of a combination of Alpha Yarns and recycled polyesters, each jersey represents approximately 20 recycled PET bottles (NBA, 2017), which matches Nike’s broad commitment to sustainability and “Nike Better World” ethos. Owners of the digitally enhanced garments have access to exclusive content and rewards, such as real time scores and statistics, behind the scenes footage of the team’s locker rooms, Spotify playlists curated by NBA players, and the chance to win tickets to selected games such as the Christmas Game between the Cavaliers and the Warriors that we all anticipate by simply tapping our phones against the jersey.

Nike is creating something more than just a jersey, more than just a uniform, it is the gateway to being connected between players, fans, and the game we love. Not only does it let you engage your favourite athletes and teams, but also rewards you every day which creates a customer relationship.

Nike acknowledges that the way to gain a competitive advantage over the market is to listen and understand their customers’ wants, and they succeeded. We all know that NFC is a very simple technology that is very familiar to us, we use it in ApplePay or MetroCards. However, Nike leveraged it to be use in a very powerful way. Creating the additional value that people seek for, redesigning how people view sports and setting new standards for its competitors. 

Choosing recycled PET bottles as the material to produce their Connected Jersey shows that Nike is really committed to support sustainability, a “Better World”. Not merely just providing a great ethos without implementing it. Maintaining a support for the environment sustainability also provides the opportunity to build trust with the customers that are looking for products that align with their environment friendly values. Overall I think the breakthrough made by Nike is one of the prominent move in the sport industry that combines the innovation in technology to invite fans, customers, to be part of the organization as a whole.

 

 

 

 

 

Words Count: 448

Sources:

Alsher, J. (2015).  What an Apparel Deal Between the NBA and Nike Would Mean. Retrieved from https://www.cheatsheet.com/sports/what-an-apparel-deal-between-the-nba-and-nike-would-mean.html/?a=viewall

Nike and the NBA Reveal the First of the League’s 2017-18 Game Uniforms. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.nba.com/jazz/nike-and-nba-reveal-first-leagues-2017-18-game-uniforms/

Fitch, J. (2017). Nike’s NBA Jerseys Signal New Era. Retrieved from https://frntofficesport.com/nikes-nba-jerseys-signal-new-era-2fb615572f41

Everything We’ve Seen From the NBA’s New Nike Uniforms (So Far). (2017). Retrieved from http://www.stack.com/a/everything-weve-seen-from-the-nbas-new-nike-uniforms-so-far

Boparai, B. (2017). Nike’s connected NBA jerseys update fans with news about their favourite teams. Retrieved from https://www.dezeen.com/2017/09/28/nba-connected-jersey-nike-nfc-smartphones-basketball-design/

Nike, NBA unveil innovative new jerseys, gear. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.nba.com/article/2017/09/15/nike-nba-unveil-innovative-new-jerseys-gear#/

Shieber, J. (2017). Nike and the NBA Unveil Connected Jerseys… and They’re Super Cool. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/15/nike-and-the-nba-unveil-connected-jerseys-and-theyre-super-cool/

Erickson, N. (2017). Inside the Totallyt Insane Nike x NBA Global Launch. Retrieved from http://www.esquire.com/sports/a12464969/nike-nba-uniforms-jerseys-connected/

Connellan, S. (2017). Tap Nike’s New App-Connected NBA Jerseys With Your Smartphone. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2017/09/18/nike-nba-app-nikeconnect-jerseys/#FKY8PRCEYkqO.

Stevens, P. ( 2017). NIKE Unveils Connected NBA Jerseys That Allow Fans to Access Content via Their Phones. Retrieved from https://www.designboom.com/design/nike-nba-connected-jersey-interactive-basketball-uniform-09-18-2017/

 

 

 

Indonesia’s economy has been in a decline over the past 2 year due to the fall of its exchange rate against the U.S. Dollar, and it has not fully recovered since then. Frustrated with the poor economic situation, the government made a new regulation, Bonded Logistic Park.

Bonded Logistic Park is a special economic zone that has a special custom supervised areas; it enables companies both in domestic and international markets to make logistic cost more efficient by allowing imported goods to be stored up to three years without paying the import related taxes until it was sold to the customer.

As a result, there is a reduction of cost of stocking goods by 25% and dwelling time from 5 days to only 1.2 days  (The Jakarta Post, 2016). It also allows for companies to use a single import license for all kinds of products, instead of one import license per customer or supplier per product.

In my opinion, this is one of the greatest move that Jokowi, President of Indonesia, has executed since the day he was elected. Jokowi saw the potential in Indonesia to be a logistic hub in the Southeast Asia region. Back then, the cost to import goods in Indonesia was extremely high due to the fact that large ships cannot dock in Indonesia’s port so these ships needs to do transits in either Singapore or Hong Kong to move the goods into smaller vessels. It is actually weird to think that a small country, Singapore, which does not have as much as resources as Indonesia can have a lower logistic cost (Sari Djalal, 2016).

Even though Indonesia lacks in the technological advancement compared to Singapore and Hong Kong, the government acknowledges their advantages such as their strength in the number of human resources available, the total size of the land and the vast oceans and are using it as a key to take the role of the ports Singapore and Hong Kong to be the centre of the Asia Pacific market. The opening of a new port, Teluk Lamong, in Surabaya will also boost their strength to increase the market coverage to evenly spread logistic distribution network which will especially lead to a stronger economy in the Eastern part of Indonesia.

In the other hand, by looking this more into the future, this regulation will certainly kill the middle class company that cannot match the price offered by that of companies that use the Bonded Logistic Park’s license; middle class players mostly rely on their single license single buyer import policy, and this regulation will most likely exclusively benefit the company that has a Bonded Logistic Park license. Will this government intervention and opportunities will be accepted by the whole community? Only time can tell.

 

 

 

 

 

Words Count : 450

Sources:

Govt Inaugurates 17 New Bonded Logistic Center. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/10/20/govt-inaugurates-17-new-bonded-logistic-centers.html

Asngadi, S. (2015). Pusat Logistik Berikat (PLB) VS Gudang Berikat (GB), Apa manfaatnya buat Pengusaha Importir? Retrieved from http://www.transformasi.net/articles/read/186/pusat-logistik-berikat-vs-gudang-berikat.html

Fauzi, Y. (2017). Ditjen Bea Cukai Ingin Contek Pusat Logistik Berikat China. Retrieved from https://www.cnnindonesia.com/ekonomi/20170413173021-92-207436/ditjen-bea-cukai-ingin-contek-pusat-logistik-berikat-china/

Sari Djalal, D. (2016). Singapore Tops List of ASEAN Countries on 2016 Logistics Performance Index, Ranked 5th Globally. Retrieved from http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2016/09/15/singapore-tops-list-of-asean-countries-on-2016-logistics-performance-index-ranked-fifth-globally

Jokowi Opens Bonded Logistics Centers to Improve Indonesia’s Competitiveness. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.indonesia-investments.com/news/todays-headlines/jokowi-opens-bonded-logistics-centers-to-improve-indonesia-s-competitiveness/item6589?

Tinting, J. (2014). Suning Prepares Logistics Campaign in Guanshanhu. Retrieved from http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/m/guizhou/guiyang/2014-04/22/content_17453293.htm

 

We all know that most of the government attempt to satisfy the social interest, often end up to harming it. But it is intermittently required to set rules that will influence the way how the stakeholders interact.  Recently, there is a case involving gold and copper miner PT Freeport Indonesia (under Freeport McMoran) and the Indonesian government. The local people claimed that the enterprise has violated the rights of the indigenous people since 1991.

Freeport mining is located in Grasberg Mountain, West Papua with gold reserves worth an estimated $100 billion (Schulman, 2016). It is understandable for Indonesia, a developing country, to accept the multi-million dollar contract in 1991 which enables the development programs to alleviate the health, education, agriculture, and rural infrastructure issue mostly in Java Island.

Even though it looked like a promising deal at first, Freeport’s activity doesn’t show that they are augmenting the lives of the local people in West Papua. However, they are actually racking the indigenous tribes by the tailing sediments from the mine which raised the riverbed, suffocating the sea creatures on which the native’s diet and economy were based without the government knowing it, unfulfilling the accommodation contract for using the local tribe land and even killing 500,000 of them in fight to win their land back (Schulman, 2016).

As a business professionals, Freeport should know how to work ethically by making decisions that are moral and environmental friendly while maximizing their profit. They know that dumping as much as 200,000 tonnes of mine waste directly into the river would cause thousands of hectares of verdant forest into wastelands (Schulman, 2016). Yet, they are countering it by saying that the process is reversible. Is it possible to reverse a polluted river to a pristine ecosystem that was once the central economy of the local people?

If only the stakeholder has a great sense of business ethics, they would not have done something that portrays the greedy mindset of human that wants more than what he or she can get. I personally think that they should have revise their business plan in the matters of lowering their profit to avoid further destruction of the natural ecosystem that would give a snowballing effect to both the indigenous people and the stakeholders. However, it will be difficult for the Indonesian government to terminate their contract for Freeport is the biggest tax payers in Indonesia, and losing such contract will not be beneficial for both parties. A solution to this could be that the stakeholders should give accommodation to the local people, for they have lost their land and main economic based, that accommodation can be in terms of schools, church and maybe employment to improve the standard of living.

 

 

 

 

Word Count : 448

Sources:

Schulman,S (2016). The $100bn and the West Papuans who say they are counting the cost. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/nov/02/100-bn-dollar-gold-mine-west-papuans-say-they-are-counting-the-cost-indonesia

Coca,N (2017). Indonesia’s Neverending Freeport-McMoran Saga. Retrieved from http://thediplomat.com/2017/07/indonesias-neverending-freeport-mcmoran-saga/

Emont, J (2017). Foreigners Have Longed Mined Indonesia, but Now’s There’s an Outcry. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/31/business/energy-environment/indonesia-gold-mine-grasberg-freeport-mcmoran.html?mcubz=3