ADP is a global leader in payroll and human resources services, serving over 800,000 clients in 140 countries. But it is also a tech company, with a history of innovation and transformation. In this article, digital strategy Jeff Towson analyzes how ADP built scale in services and then tech, and what’s next for its AI strategy.
Category Archives: Bargaining Power with Suppliers / Purchasing Economies
Will Automatic Data Processing (ADP) Win Big in Human Capital and Non-Human Workforces? (Tech Strategy – Podcast 195)
The future of work is not just about humans, but also about non-human workforces such as robots, software, and AI. How can ADP, a company that has been serving human capital for decades, adapt and thrive in this new era? In this podcast, Jeff Towson discusses ADP’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities in the changing landscape of work.
Lessons in Competitive Advantage from My Visit to Warren Buffett’s Nebraska Furniture Mart (Tech Strategy)
Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM) is one of Warren Buffett’s largest retail ventures. Its strong business model and consumer offerings provide valuable lessons in competitive advantage. Additionally, NFM’s strategic location in Omaha contributes to its success.
Lessons in Purchasing Economies from Costco, JD and Pinduoduo (Tech Strategy – Podcast 142)
Apple and Pinduoduo are two companies that have been successful in purchasing economies. In this podcast, Jeff Towson discusses four lessons that can be learned from these companies. These lessons include the importance of understanding the customer, the importance of having a platform strategy, and the importance of having a strong brand.
How JD Competes With Alibaba in Ecommerce (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
I often get asked how JD competes with Alibaba (in ecommerce). Who is going to win? My answer is below. But first a little theory on the sources of competitive strength. My Checklist for Competitive Advantages I put competitive advantages in five buckets, with a total of 15 sub-types. That’s my checklist. But keep in […]
Compelling Digital Business Models by Walgreens and Ping An Good Doctor (Tech Strategy – Podcast 132)
This discussion centers on the innovative digital business models developed by Walgreens and Ping An Good Doctor in the healthcare sector. These industry leaders have embraced digital transformation to establish new, compelling business models, each unique in its approach. The analysis will delve into three key areas: the economies of scale and scope, digital superpowers that lend competitive advantage, and the role of AI as a capability and potential learning platform.
Why Netflix and Amazon Prime Don’t Have Long-Term Competitive Power. (2 of 2) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
In Part 1, I argued that Amazon’s ecommerce business was getting stronger over time (in terms of competitive strength). It has an impressive series of competitive advantages. Amazon Has a Winning Long-Term Strategy. Amazon Prime and Netflix Don’t. (1 of 2) (US-Asia Tech Strategy – Daily Article) I also teed up the idea that Amazon’s […]
Amazon’s Moat is Growing in Ecommerce. But Falling in Video. Just Like for Netflix. (Tech Strategy – Podcast 125)
In this podcast, Jeffrey Towson discusses how Amazon’s moat in ecommerce is growing, while its moat in video is falling. He compares Amazon’s video business to Netflix and argues that Amazon will need to make some changes in order to maintain its leadership position.
Amazon Has a Winning Long-Term Strategy. Amazon Prime and Netflix Don’t. (1 of 2) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)
I’ve discussed Amazon’s basic business model in an article and podcast. What Amazon Should Copy from Alibaba and Pinduoduo (Tech Strategy – Podcast 124) Why I Really Like Amazon’s Strategy, Despite the Crap Consumer Experience (US-Asia Tech Strategy – Daily Article) And I basically argued that I look for 3 things in this type of […]
What Amazon Should Copy From Alibaba and Pinduoduo (Tech Strategy – Podcast 124)
Amazon can learn a lot from Alibaba and Pinduoduo in terms of how to improve its consumer experience. Alibaba has integrated its ecommerce products with entertainment, payment, credit, and wealth management products, while Pinduoduo has focused on social commerce and group buying. Amazon could benefit from adopting some of these strategies in order to stay ahead of the competition.