CNME Editor Mark Forker spoke to Mamoun Arsan, General Manager of SCOPE Information Systems – Smart Enterprise Solutions, in an effort to learn more about how their Smart Enterprise Solutions entity is leveraging a broad product portfolio that is championing change and transformation across a number of industry verticals in the Middle East region.
Mamoun Arsan has enjoyed a remarkable career thus far in the IT industry across the Middle East region.
He is regarded by many of his peers to be one of the most prominent and visionary CXOs in the industry.
Arsan, is best-known for his time at Omnix International, where he spent a quarter of a century.
During that time period, he established himself to be an astute strategic and tactical leader, and played a key role in ensuring the successful selling, installation, customization and support of software solutions on behalf of Omnix International.
He left Omnix in 2019, in pursuit of new goals and challenges, and after spells with Technologica IT and Sword Middle East, he was appointed the General Manager of SCOPE Information Systems – Smart Enterprise Solutions in August of this year.
CNME managed to secure an exclusive interview with Arsan, ahead of his new role, and he began the conversation by explaining in more detail what Smart Enterprise Solutions is all about.
“Smart Enterprise Solutions was created in an effort to harness AI, IoT, and Machine Learning to transform industries like smart cities, transportation, utilities, and public safety. Our business model is centered on providing customized, AI-driven solutions through a mix of software licensing, hardware, and services. Our solutions are focused on burgeoning verticals such as smart cities, predictive analytics, AI-driven security and intelligent automation,” said Arsan.
Arsan reiterated how Smart Enterprise Solutions really drive values for their customers and ultimately enhances their operational efficiency.
“Our solutions help customers enhance decision-making, improve operational efficiency, boost public safety, and remain scalable and adaptable to future needs. By focusing on innovation and customization, we deliver real value and enable our clients to thrive in a rapidly changing environment,” said Arsan.
Arsan then illustrated how their cutting-edge solutions transformed the optimization of bus route planning in one of Europe’s major cities, and as example of how successful their implementations have been.
“Smart Enterprise Solutions targets a range of industries where AI-driven technologies deliver significant value, such as Smart Cities, Transportation & Logistics, Utilities, Healthcare, Public Safety and Retail. For example, public buses route optimization and planning in one of the major cities in Europe, where we increased efficiency by 30%. The measurement of drivers and driving behavior through predictive analysis also yielded great benefits, as did training suggestion and training delivery. In addition to this, we also had surveillance using UAV with video analytics across the Middle East, and these are just a few examples of how we demonstrate the capabilities our AI solutions have in terms of transforming operations to deliver measurable results across various industries,” said Arsan.
AI is everywhere now, and the benefits of Generative AI have been well documented, since the advent of ChatGPT by OpenAI.
According to Arsan, Smart Enterprise Solutions harness AI to power its diverse product portfolio, which inevitably drives innovation and efficiency across industries.
He went into forensic detail to highlight the AI offering they have across their product portfolio.
“In relation to our predictive analytics, our AI analyzes data to provide insights for better decision-making in all businesses, with regards to intelligent automation, our AI automates repetitive tasks and processes in sectors like finance and retail, reducing costs and errors. In addition to this, our AI powered surveillance uses computer vision for real-time threat detection and facial recognition to enhance public safety. Our smart city management uses AI to optimizes traffic, lighting, waste management, and safety, improving urban efficiency and sustainability. By integrating AI, we enable smarter, safer, and more efficient solutions that help businesses and cities thrive,” said Arsan.
Many businesses can be resistant to change, whilst many adopting new technologies are sometimes reluctant to embark upon the transformation, even though they know it will benefit the company overall, but are fearful of the pain that can come with a protracted integration process.
Arsan explained again in detail, the approach they take when it comes to their implementation process.
“We start with a thorough assessment of the existing systems and needs. This helps us customize our solutions to fit seamlessly with the client’s current infrastructure. We develop a step-by-step integration plan that minimizes disruption, ensuring compatibility with legacy systems through APIs, middleware, and data migration tools. We implement solutions in phases, allowing gradual adoption and testing – and this reduces risk and allows for adjustments based on real-time feedback. Finally, we also provide training for staff and continuous support to ensure a smooth transition and effective use of the new technology,” said Arsan.
In terms of the challenges, Arsan said there was a lot of commonailty across different industries, with a combination of legacy and resistance being prevalent ones.
“In terms of the common challenges that we see, the most recurring ones are; integrating with outdated systems can cause data inconsistencies, or require significant customization. Resistance from staff and stakeholders that unfamiliar with new technologies. Transferring large amounts of legacy data can lead to potential data loss or corruption – and ensuring new technologies are scalable and adaptable to future needs. We work closely with clients to address these challenges, providing tailored solutions with world-class tools and support to ensure successful integration,” said Arsan.
The GCC region has been undergoing huge economic reforms underpinned by digital transformation, and the UAE has led the way in this regard, but one of the most ambitious programs is that of Vision 2030 in the KSA.
Arsan confirmed that in terms of their strategy, Smart Enterprise Solutions is very much aligned with those reformation agendas.
“Smart Enterprise Solutions aligns itself closely with the GCC’s ambitious digital transformation programs by focusing on key areas that support national visions like UAE’s different strategies for 2030 and KSA’s Vision 2030. Actually, the business portfolio of Smart Enterprise Solutions is influenced by those visions and strategies. Whether it is Smart Cities, Computer Vision, AI, and Predictive Analytics. By focusing on these strategic areas, we help drive the digital transformation agenda of the GCC, enabling smarter, more efficient, and future-ready societies,” said Arsan.
We know that in the current digital economy, it is imperative for businesses to deliver seamless customer experiences in order to both meet the evolving demands of customers and stay relevant amidst the backdrop of an increasingly competitive marketplace.
“Smart Enterprise Solutions enhances customer experiences through a number of factors, such as AI-powered personalization, which tailors’ interactions and recommendations based on customer behavior and preferences. We use data analytics to anticipate customer needs and resolve issues proactively. We integrate with existing systems to ensure a smooth transition and consistent experience. We also employ AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants for 24/7 support and efficient service. These elements ensure that customers receive timely, personalized, and efficient interactions, improving overall satisfaction and loyalty,” said Arsan.
When pressed on what he would do if faced with a prospective client that is sitting on the fence wrestling with the idea of adopting Smart Enterprise Solutions, Arsan says he would focus on the ‘competitive edge’ that they would provide them with.
“We focus on in our sales pitch on the returns and competitiveness. Customers can see tangible improvements in efficiency and cost savings right from the start. Also, scalability where customers grow and adapt with technology that evolves as their business does. Additionally, customer experience, where they can deliver faster, more personalized service, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty. Investing in our solutions means investing in your business’s future. Let us help you turn potential into performance and secure a competitive edge in a rapidly changing market,” said Arsan.
Arsan concluded a brilliant exchange, by highlighting their participation at GITEX 2024, which kicks-off next month.
According to Arsan, Scope Information Systems is set to make a significant impact at GITEX 2024, by showcasing their latest innovations and solutions.
“We can’t wait to demonstrate and showcase our broad portfolio of solutions at GITEX 2024. Attendees who visit our booth can expect to see, AI and smart city solutions that demonstrate our advanced AI-driven technologies for smart city management. Hands-on demonstrations of our latest technologies in UAV and Digital Twin. Our team will provide insights on the latest trends in digital transformation, AI applications, and their impact on various industries – and we will engage with our experts and explore potential partnerships designed to drive their digital transformation journey,” concluded Arsan.
SCOPE will be present in Hall 24 (H24-C20) and will be co-partnering with industry-leading technologies in addition to 20+ technologies on their portfolio. Attendees can expect to witness unmatched expertise and best-of-breed solutions.
