INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT KOZHIKODE

EXECUTIVE POST GRADUATE PROGRAMMES

Information System
Project - Group 11
Company Name: General Electric(GE)

Batch 15
Term 2
Section E
Instructor Prof. Anindita Paul
Group Number 11
Group Members ( Name with Reg no) Harsvardhan Tripathy – EPGP15E030
Gokul AR – EPGP15E028
Ruksar Taj S – EPGP15E067
Shubham Kumar Shah – EPGP15E084
SK Khansaba Alam – EPGP15E086
Surya Narayanan S – EPGP15E096

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 Nagashayana Srinivasaiah – EPGP15E042

Group Member - Wise Contribution

Member Roll Number Member Name Member Contribution
EPGP15E030 Harsvardhan Tripathy GE Aviation, GE Digital, GE Lighting
EPGP15E028 Gokul AR Industry Assessment, Use Of IS & its Implication,
EPGP15E084 Shubham Kumar Shah Learning Outcome
EPGP15E086 SK Khansaba Alam GE Healthcare, GE Power, GE Transportation, GE
EPGP15E067 Ruksar Taj S Renewable Enegergy
EPGP15E042 Nagashayana Srinivasaiah Industry Assessment, Use Of IS & its Implication,
EPGP15E096 Surya Narayanan S Learning Outcome

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 Executive Summary

The objective of this Information System project is to analyse General Electric's (GE) information technology (IT)
infrastructure and systems. GE is a multinational corporation that offers a wide range of products and services. IT
systems are essential to GE's operations because they support business processes, enable data-driven decision-making,
and facilitate collaboration and communication.

The project will begin with an overview of GE's history and current business model, followed by a comprehensive
analysis of the company's IT infrastructure. The analysis will include hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity,
and data management. The project will also evaluate GE's IT governance structure's efficiency and alignment with the
organization's strategic goals.

To understand the role of IT in GE's operations, it's essential to understand the company's business model clearly. GE
operates in various segments, including aviation, healthcare, power, renewable energy, and digital. Its products and
services include aircraft engines, medical imaging equipment, wind turbines, gas turbines, and software solutions.
The project will identify key IT system strengths, weaknesses, and evolution. We will address modernization,
automation, cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity. The project will also investigate the potential impact
of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things on GE's information
technology systems and business operations.

The software analysis will evaluate GE's various applications and systems, such as ERP, CRM, HRIS, and others. The
networking analysis will cover the LAN, WAN, and wireless networks used by GE, including their topology,
protocols, and security measures. The cybersecurity analysis will assess the measures implemented by GE to protect
its IT systems from threats such as hacking, malware, and phishing attacks. Finally, the data management analysis will
cover the processes and tools used by GE to collect, store, process, and analyse data.

The project will highlight IS use and its implications for the business and evaluate its alignment with the company's
strategic objectives. We will assess how IS has helped GE achieve greater operational efficiency, improve decision-
making, and drive innovation by leveraging the power of technology, which ultimately leads to a sustained
competitive advantage and long-term success.

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 Company Overview

General Electric (GE) is a multinational conglomerate that operates in industries such as aviation, healthcare, power,
renewable energy, and digital. GE, which was established in 1892, has a long history of innovation and adaptation to
shifting business environments. Today, GE is a global leader in a variety of markets, providing a vast array of
products and services to meet the needs of its global customers.
GE Aviation is one of the world's leading aircraft engine and component manufacturers. The business unit offers
engines and components for commercial, military, and business aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 MAX, Airbus
A320neo, and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. The business model of GE Aviation is based on innovation,
quality, and dependability. The company invests heavily in R&D to create new technologies and improve existing
products, and it collaborates closely with its customers to understand their needs and provide customised solutions.
GE Healthcare is a leading provider of medical imaging equipment, diagnostics, and healthcare IT solutions is GE
Healthcare. The business unit serves customers in over 160 countries and offers a vast array of products and services,
such as MRI systems, CT scanners, ultrasound equipment, and healthcare IT solutions. The business model of GE
Healthcare is based on innovation, quality, and patient care. The company invests heavily in research and
development to create new technologies and improve patient outcomes, and it collaborates closely with healthcare
providers to identify their unique needs and provide customised solutions.
GE Power is a leading provider of technologies and solutions for power generation. The business unit provides
customers in over 150 countries with a vast array of products and services, including gas turbines, steam turbines,
generators, and renewable energy solutions. The business model of GE Power is founded upon innovation, efficiency,
and sustainability. The company invests heavily in R&D to create new technologies and improve energy efficiency,
and it collaborates closely with its customers to understand their needs and provide customised solutions.
GE Renewable Energy is an industry leader in the provision of renewable energy solutions, including wind turbines,
hydroelectric turbines, and solar power solutions. The business unit serves customers in over 80 countries and
provides a vast array of products and services that facilitate the transition to a more sustainable energy future. The
business model of GE Renewable Energy is based on innovation, sustainability, and affordability. The company
invests heavily in R&D to create new technologies and improve the efficiency of renewable energy solutions, and it
works closely with its customers to understand their needs and provide customised solutions.
GE Digital is a business unit that offers software solutions to numerous industries, including the aviation, healthcare,
power, and manufacturing sectors. The business unit provides a vast array of products and services that aid customers
in enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer experience. The business model of GE
Digital is founded on innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The company invests heavily in R&D to create
new technologies and improve existing products, and it collaborates closely with its customers to understand their
needs and provide customised solutions.
GE Lighting is a leading provider of innovative lighting solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial
applications. The business unit provides a vast array of products and services that aid customers in conserving energy,
lowering expenses, and enhancing the aesthetics of their spaces.
GE Transportation is an industry leader in rail, mining, maritime, and drilling solutions. The business unit serves
customers in more than one hundred countries and provides a vast array of products and services that help customers
improve efficiency, cut costs, and increase safety.

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 Evolution Of GE’s Information System – IS Use & Its Implications

General Electric (GE) is a multinational corporation with a substantial presence in the information systems industry.
Historically, GE has been an early adopter of information technology, and its innovative use of information systems to
support its various business lines is well-known.
GE has invested significantly in information systems, such as big data analytics, cloud computing, artificial
intelligence, and cybersecurity. These investments have enabled the company to increase operational efficiency,
enhance the customer experience, and expedite decision-making across all of its business lines.
Digital industrial strategy is one of the primary ways that GE leverages information systems to facilitate efficient
operations. This strategy aims to connect physical assets, such as machinery and equipment, to data analytics and
software to optimize performance and reduce downtime. This strategy relies heavily on GE's Predix platform, which
provides industrial-grade software for real-time monitoring and analyzing equipment performance data.

Additionally, GE utilizes information systems to facilitate its supply chain operations. The company has substantially
invested in digital technologies such as blockchain and RFID to increase supply chain visibility and traceability. These
technologies enable GE to track products and components throughout the entire supply chain, from raw materials to
finished goods, and aid in identifying potential issues before their escalation.
GE has embraced digital transformation to improve the customer experience. The company has implemented several
digital initiatives to improve customer engagement, including online customer portals, mobile apps, and social media
channels. These initiatives provide customers with access to real-time product information, order tracking, and
personalized support.
GE has invested heavily in cybersecurity to protect its information systems and data from cyber threats. The company
has implemented sophisticated cybersecurity measures, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and threat
detection and response systems, to ensure its information systems' security and protect sensitive data.
By leveraging information systems and digital technologies, GE is well-positioned to continue providing value to its
customers and maintain its industry leadership.

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General Electric's (GE) Information System has undergone significant changes and evolution over the years due to
the rapid advancements in information technology and the fluctuating business requirements.

GE began using mainframe computers to support its

various business operations in the 1960s and 1970s. These
systems were primarily batch-oriented, meaning data was
processed in large batches rather than in real time, and
were primarily used for accounting and financial
management.
In the 1980s and 1990s, GE began adopting client-server
architectures and supporting its operations with PCs and
local networks. During this time period, GE made
significant investments in enterprise resource planning
(ERP) systems, which integrated diverse business
functions such as finance, manufacturing, and supply
chain management.
With the adoption of Service-Oriented Architecture
(SOA) in the early 2000s, GE's Information System
underwent a significant transformation, allowing for
greater flexibility and interoperability between systems. In
addition to adopting web-based technologies, the
company began developing online customer portals and
self-service tools.
GE began focusing on big data analytics around the
middle of the 2000s, investing in technologies that would
allow it to use better the vast amounts of data generated
by its operations. The company developed sophisticated data warehousing and mining capabilities to support its
analytics initiatives.
General Electric's (GE) Information System has played a crucial role in the company's business transformation and
revenue growth in multiple ways:

 It has allowed the company to increase operational efficiency and decrease costs across all of its business
lines. GE has been able to optimize performance, minimize downtime, and streamline its business processes
through the use of digital technologies such as big data analytics, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
 GE's Information System has also assisted the company in enhancing the customer experience by providing
real-time data access and personalized support. The company has implemented several digital initiatives,
including online customer portals, mobile applications, and social media channels, which allow customers to
access product information and track orders.
 It has enabled the company to generate new revenue streams by providing value-added services to its
customers, resulting in increased revenue. GE's Predix platform, which provides industrial-grade software for
real-time monitoring and analyzing equipment performance data, has enabled the company to provide
predictive maintenance and other value-added services to its customers.
 In many ways it has also allowed the company to reduce costs and improve supply chain management. By
leveraging digital technologies such as blockchain and RFID, GE has increased visibility and traceability
across its supply chain, enabling it to track products and components throughout the entire supply chain and
identify potential problems before they become significant.

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GE Aviation
The Information System of GE Aviation has evolved significantly over the years; some of the most significant ways in
which the Information System at GE Aviation has evolved:
Early adoption of computerized systems: For its manufacturing operations, GE Aviation was an early adopter of
computerized systems. In the 1960s, the company began utilizing mainframe computers for data processing and
analysis, allowing it to increase efficiency and decrease expenses.

In the 1990s, GE Aviation implemented Enterprise

Resource Planning (ERP) systems, which integrated
diverse business functions, including finance,
manufacturing, and supply chain management. This
enabled the organization to streamline its operations
and enhance visibility into its business processes.
Using computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation
software to design and test new aircraft engines, GE
Aviation began to digitize its engineering processes in
the 2000s. In addition to developing sophisticated
modeling and simulation capabilities, the company
optimized engine performance and shortened the
development period.
Adoption of big data analytics: Around the middle of
the 2000s, GE Aviation shifted its focus to big data
analytics, investing in technologies that would enable
the company to better use the vast quantities of data
generated by its operations. To support its analytics
efforts, the company developed sophisticated data
warehousing and data mining capabilities, enabling it
to identify patterns and insights that could improve
engine performance.

Utilizing sensors and other connected devices to monitor engine performance in real-time, GE Aviation has embraced
the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in recent years. This has allowed the company to develop capabilities for
predictive maintenance, which can identify potential issues before they become major issues.
The Information System at GE Aviation has been instrumental to its success, allowing it to optimise its operations,
improve its supply chain management, and enhance the customer experience. Here are some specific examples of how
the Information System of GE Aviation has affected its business:

 Enhanced operational effectiveness: The Information System at GE Aviation has enabled the company to
optimise production processes and reduce expenses. GE Aviation is able to test and refine new designs and
processes prior to their implementation in the real world, thanks to the company's Digital Twins technology.
This has allowed the business to reduce development time, improve quality, and reduce waste.

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  Enhanced Customer Experience: Providing real-time access to data and personalized support. For instance,
the MyEngines platform allows customers to monitor their engines in real-time and receive maintenance
alerts. Additionally, the platform provides access to technical support and other resources, allowing users to
address any issues quickly and easily.

 Reduced Cost & Improved Supply Chain: The company has implemented sophisticated analytics tools to
track products and components throughout the supply chain, identify potential issues before they become
significant, and optimize routing to reduce transportation costs.

 New Revenue Stream: GE Aviation started providing customers with value-added services. Along with that,
the FlightPulse platform, for instance, provides pilots with real-time feedback on their flying techniques,
allowing them to optimize fuel consumption and reduce emissions. This platform has enabled GE Aviation to
differentiate itself from competitors and provide customers with additional value.

GE Healthcare

In the 1970s and 1980s, GE Healthcare's Information System primarily supported medical imaging equipment, such as
X-ray machines and CT scanners. These systems were created to capture, store, and analyze medical images, allowing
physicians to make more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.
In the 1990s, GE Healthcare began integrating its diverse medical equipment and imaging systems onto a unified
platform. This led to the development of the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), which made it
easier for doctors and other medical professionals to view and share medical images.
Early in the twenty-first century, GE Healthcare maintained its investment in digital technologies and shifted its focus
to developing electronic medical records (EMRs) and other clinical information systems. These systems were
designed to collect and store patient data, such as medical histories, lab results, and diagnostic images, in a centralized
database that healthcare professionals could access from multiple locations and devices.
GE Healthcare's Information System has continued to evolve in recent years, with a focus on leveraging new
technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to improve patient outcomes and lower

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costs. Clinical Command Centres, which use real-time data analytics and predictive modelling to optimise clinical
workflows and patient care, are among the company's digital tools and platforms.

General Electric's (GE) Healthcare Information System has significantly impacted the company's business, allowing it
to increase operational efficiency, improve patient care, and increase revenue. Here are some examples of how the
Information System of GE Healthcare has impacted its business:

 Enhanced operational effectiveness: The Information System of GE Healthcare has enabled the company to
increase operational efficiency across all of its business units. For instance, the Centricity Clinical Archive
solution provides a comprehensive platform for storing and managing patient data, enabling healthcare
providers to quickly and easily access patient records. This has allowed healthcare providers to spend more
time on patient care by reducing the time required to access patient data.

 GE Healthcare's Information System has also enabled the company to improve patient care by granting
healthcare providers real-time access to vital patient data. For instance, the company's Critical Care Suite
software utilizes AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze medical images and provide healthcare
providers with real-time information about a patient's condition. This has allowed healthcare providers to
make more informed decisions and improve patient outcomes.

 GE Healthcare's Information System has also helped the company generate new revenue streams by providing
value-added services to its customers, resulting in increased revenue. For instance, the Performance Solutions
division of the company offers consulting and training services to healthcare providers, assisting them in
optimizing their operations and enhancing patient care. In addition, the Digital Solutions division of the
company offers a variety of software solutions, including patient engagement tools, telehealth solutions, and
remote monitoring capabilities.

 The Information System at GE Healthcare has enabled the company to reduce costs and improve supply chain
management. AssetPlus, for instance, is a comprehensive platform for managing medical equipment that
enables healthcare providers to track inventory, schedule maintenance, and reduce equipment downtime.

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GE Power

Here is a brief summary of the major milestones in the development of the Information System at GE Power:
Legacy Systems: In its early years, GE Power relied on legacy accounting and financial management systems. These
systems were predominantly batch-oriented, meaning data was processed in large batches instead of in real time.

In the 1980s and 1990s, GE Power began utilizing mainframe computers to support its diverse business operations.
These systems were primarily utilized for supply chain management and could process vast quantities of data.
Client-Server Architecture: GE Power adopted client-server architectures and began using PCs and local networks
to support its operations in the late 1990s and early 2000s. During this time period, GE Power made significant
investments in enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, which integrated diverse business functions including
finance, manufacturing, and supply chain management.
Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA): In the middle of the 2000s, GE Power's Information System underwent a
major transformation with the adoption of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), which enabled greater flexibility and
interoperability between different systems. In addition to adopting web-based technologies, the company began
developing online customer portals and self-service tools.
Big Data Analytics: GE Power began focusing on big data analytics at the beginning of the 2010s, investing in
technologies that would allow it to make better use of the vast quantities of data generated by its operations. To
support its analytics initiatives, the company developed sophisticated data warehousing and data mining capabilities.
In recent years, GE Power has embraced digital transformation and focused on leveraging new technologies, such as
artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to drive innovation across all of its business
lines. The company has developed various software and digital platforms, such as Predix and Digital Twin, which
allow it to optimize performance and reduce downtime for its industrial assets.
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The company's Information System has played a crucial role in transforming its business, enhancing efficiency, and
enhancing the customer experience. Here are a few examples of how the Information System of GE Power has
affected its business:

 GE Power has implemented advanced analytics and big data technologies to optimize the performance of its
equipment and increase operational efficiency. For instance, the company's Asset Performance Management
(APM) platform uses sensors and other data sources to monitor equipment performance in real time,
identifying potential issues before they become major problems. This has allowed GE Power to reduce
maintenance costs, minimize equipment downtime, and increase reliability.

 The Information System at GE Power has enabled the company to provide customers with a more
personalized and engaging experience. The company has implemented various digital tools, such as online
customer portals and mobile applications, that allow customers to track their orders, access product
information, and communicate with GE Power's support teams in real-time. This has increased customer
satisfaction and strengthened customer relationships.

 By offering value-added services to customers, GE Power has leveraged its Information System to develop
new revenue streams. For instance, GE Power's APM platform has enabled the company to offer predictive
maintenance and other services that help customers optimize equipment performance and reduce costs.
Additionally, the company has created various digital solutions, such as cloud-based analytics platforms, that
enable customers to extract greater value from their data.

 The Information System at GE Power has enabled the company to improve supply chain management by
increasing visibility and traceability across all operations. The company has implemented a variety of
technologies, such as blockchain and RFID, that allow it to track products and components throughout the
entire supply chain, from raw materials to finished goods. This has allowed GE Power to enhance inventory
management, decrease waste, and optimize supply chain performance.

GE Renewable Energy

Early on, GE Renewable Energy relied primarily on conventional information systems to manage its business.
Financial management, supply chain management, and project management were the most common applications for
these systems.
However, As the company grew, its information system requirements also changed, and it began adopting more
advanced technologies. GE Renewable Energy, for instance, launched its Digital Wind Farm initiative in 2015, which
aimed to optimize the performance of wind turbines by utilizing data analytics and digital technologies. The initiative
utilized GE's Predix platform, which is designed for the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and offers a variety of data
collection, analysis, and visualization capabilities.

GE Renewable Energy continued to invest

in digital transformation and advanced
analytics capabilities in the following
years. The company launched its Digital
Hydro Plant initiative in 2018 to optimize
hydroelectric power plants' performance
through data analytics and machine
learning. The initiative utilized advanced
sensors and monitoring technologies to
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collect data from various parts of the plant, which was then analyzed with advanced analytics tools to identify
optimization opportunities.
Recently, GE Renewable Energy has been concentrating on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine
learning (ML) to drive innovation across all of its business lines. The company launched its Digital Wind Farm
Optimisation solution in 2020, which uses AI and ML algorithms to optimise wind turbine operations in real-time,
based on changing weather conditions and other variables.
The Information System of GE Renewable Energy has evolved substantially over the years, reflecting the company's
continued investment in digital transformation and advanced analytics capabilities. The company's emphasis on
leveraging digital technologies to optimize the performance of its renewable energy assets has enabled it to provide
greater value to its customers, reduce costs, and drive innovation throughout the industry.

GE Digital

The significant evolution of GE Digital's Information System over the years reflects the company's emphasis on digital
transformation and commitment to leveraging new technologies to drive innovation and growth. Throughout the
years, GE Digital's Information System has evolved in the following significant ways:

In 2011, GE launched its Predix platform, which was the first cloud-based platform designed specifically for the
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Predix enabled GE to collect and analyze vast amounts of data generated by
industrial equipment in real-time, optimizing equipment performance and reducing downtime. GE Digital has
continued to invest heavily in cloud computing over the years, developing new cloud-based solutions for customers
and expanding its global cloud infrastructure.

GE Digital has also strongly emphasized data analytics, developing sophisticated algorithms and analytics tools to
assist customers in optimizing their operations. The company has invested in machine learning, artificial intelligence,
and predictive analytics to assist customers in recognizing trends, anticipating failures, and optimizing performance.
Additionally, GE Digital has developed data visualization tools and dashboards to aid customers in comprehending
their data and making more informed decisions.

In recent years, GE Digital has expanded into new markets outside its traditional industrial focus, including
healthcare, aviation, and transportation. Using its data analytics, cloud computing, and IIoT expertise to drive
innovation and growth, the company has created new solutions and platforms for these markets.

Due to the increasing prevalence of connected devices and the escalating threat of cyberattacks, GE Digital has
prioritized cybersecurity. The company has developed robust cybersecurity practises and solutions to protect the
data and hardware of its customers from cyber threats. GE Digital has also invested in developing cybersecurity
talent and partnerships with leading cybersecurity companies to stay ahead of evolving threats.

The company's Information System has significantly impacted its business, allowing it to increase operational
efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and generate new revenue streams. This case study will examine several
instances in which GE Digital's Information System has impacted the company's operations.

The Information System at GE Digital has allowed the company to increase operational efficiency across all of its
business lines. For instance, the Predix platform, which offers industrial-grade software for monitoring and analysing
equipment performance data in real-time, has enabled GE Digital to provide predictive maintenance and other
value-added services to its customers. This has helped to reduce customer downtime and maintenance costs while
enhancing equipment performance and dependability.

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GE Digital's Information System has also assisted the company in enhancing the customer experience by providing
real-time data access and personalized service. The company has implemented several digital initiatives, including
online customer portals, mobile applications, and social media channels, which allow customers to access product
information and track orders. For instance, GE Digital's Field Service Management (FSM) platform enables service
technicians to access real-time information regarding customer needs, equipment performance, and service history,
thereby enabling them to provide more efficient and effective service.
GE Digital's Information System has enabled the company to generate new revenue streams by providing value-added
services to its customers, resulting in increased revenue. The Asset Performance Management (APM) platform of the
company, for instance, enables customers to optimise the performance of their equipment, reduce maintenance costs,
and increase uptime and reliability. GE Digital has also developed a variety of software and digital platforms, such as
RailConnect 360, that enable it to optimise performance, enhance safety, and reduce downtime for its transportation
assets.
GE Digital's Information System has enabled the company to reduce costs and improve supply chain management. By
leveraging digital technologies such as blockchain and RFID, GE Digital has been able to increase visibility and
traceability throughout its supply chain, enabling it to track products and components throughout the entire supply
chain and identify potential issues before they become significant problems.
GE Digital and Oracle formed a strategic partnership in 2016 to create a revolutionary platform that enables
companies to connect industrial assets worldwide. GE Digital's Predix Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) combines
advanced technology with decades of industry experience to securely ingest and analyse machine-grade data at scale,
delivering outcomes quickly.
By using Oracle's enterprise solutions, such as its Oracle Cloud Platform, Oracle Cloud Applications, ERP, and
Supply Chain Management applications, businesses can automate and optimize processes, increase asset visibility,
improve supply chains, manufacture intelligently, predict maintenance and service requirements, and enhance logistics
and transportation efficiency using information from Industrial Internet devices.
GE's operational technology and Oracle's enterprise solutions integrate to provide customers with a comprehensive
view, from assets in the field and on the factory floor to the front and back offices and boardroom, offering end-to-end
insights. Customers can connect any machine or sensor to any other machine or business application, which will
enable them to create innovative products and services that disrupt the market. These solutions maximize the
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convergence of operational technologies (OT) and information technologies (IT) in driving business outcomes, such
as operational efficiencies, cost-to-quality reduction, and enhanced customer experiences.

To minimize downtime, GE considers the database downtime required for database upgrades when scheduling them.
Before upgrading, GE performs a precheck operation for its databases to detect and mitigate any issues that may arise.
This operation does not affect database availability, so it can be performed at any time.
The reports generated during precheck are saved and can be viewed at any time to determine whether the upgrade will
be beneficial or have a negative impact on performance parameters.

GE Lighting
GE Lighting's Information System has undergone significant changes and evolution over the years, reflecting the rapid
advancements in information technology and the changing needs of the business.
In the 1980s and 1990s, GE Lighting started using
mainframe computers and enterprise resource planning
(ERP) systems to support its various business operations.
These systems were mainly used for accounting and
financial management and were primarily batch-oriented,
meaning that data was processed in large batches rather
than in real-time.
In the early 2000s, GE Lighting began to adopt client-
server architectures and started using PCs and local
networks to support its operations. The company invested
heavily in ERP systems and supply chain management
software, which enabled it to improve operational
efficiency and reduce costs.
In the mid-2000s, GE Lighting started to focus on digital transformation and began to adopt web-based technologies
and e-commerce platforms to support its business operations. The company developed online portals and self-service
tools for customers, enabling them to access product information, place orders, and track shipments.
In the late 2000s and early 2010s, GE Lighting embraced mobile technology and started developing mobile apps for
customers and employees. These apps enabled customers to access product information and place orders on their
mobile devices, while employees could use them to access real-time data and collaborate with colleagues.
More recently, GE Lighting has focused on leveraging new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and big
data analytics to drive innovation and improve its products and services. The company has developed a range of
connected lighting solutions that enable customers to monitor and control their lighting systems remotely, as well as
analytics tools that provide insights into energy usage and performance.
GE Lighting has utilised its Information System in multiple ways to generate significant business impact. Here are
some examples:

 Through personalised product recommendations and streamlined ordering processes, GE Lighting's

Information System has enabled the company to provide an improved customer experience. The organisation
has implemented an e-commerce platform that enables customers to search for and purchase products online
with ease. The platform also recommends products based on the customer's purchase history and preferences,
increasing the likelihood of a successful sale, by leveraging data analytics.

 The Information System at GE Lighting has enabled the company to optimise its supply chain management
processes, thereby reducing lead times and enhancing inventory management. Utilising a cloud-based
platform that integrates data from its diverse manufacturing and distribution facilities, the company has real-
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 time visibility into inventory levels and production schedules. By
automating numerous supply chain processes, the business has been
able to reduce errors and increase productivity.

 Through advanced analytics and data-driven insights, the GE

Lighting Information System has also enabled the company to drive
product innovation. The company has developed a variety of
intelligent lighting products that use sensors and other Internet of
Things technologies to provide customers with personalised lighting
experiences. By analysing data from these products, the company is
able to identify customer usage trends and patterns, enabling it to
develop new products and features that better meet customer
requirements.

 The Information System at GE Lighting has enabled the company to increase energy efficiency throughout its
operations and products. The company has developed a variety of energy-efficient LED lighting products. By
utilising data analytics to optimise lighting usage and reduce energy waste, the company has helped its
customers save money on energy costs and reduce their environmental impact.

GE Transportation

In the 1980s and 1990s, GE Transportation began supporting its various business operations with mainframe
computers. These systems were primarily used for accounting and financial management and were batch-oriented,
meaning data was processed in large batches as opposed to in real-time.
In the 2000s, GE Transportation adopted web-based technologies and developed online customer portals and self-
service tools. Additionally, the company invested in mobile technologies to support its field operations, enabling its
employees to access vital data and information while on the move.

GE Transportation began focusing on big data

analytics around the middle of the 2000s,
investing in technologies that would allow it
to make better use of the vast amounts of data
generated by its operations. The company
developed sophisticated data warehousing
and data mining capabilities to support its
analytics initiatives, thereby optimising
operations and enhancing supply chain
management.
GE Transportation has recently embraced
digital transformation and focused on
leveraging new technologies such as the
Internet of Things (IoT) to drive innovation
throughout its business. The company has
developed a variety of software and digital platforms, including RailConnect 360, which allow it to optimise
performance, enhance safety, and reduce downtime for its transportation assets.
The Information System of GE Transportation has also evolved to include predictive maintenance capabilities,
enabling the company to anticipate potential equipment failures and address issues before they become major issues.
Additionally, the company has implemented advanced analytics tools to optimise routing, reduce fuel consumption,
and enhance overall productivity.
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General Electric (GE) Transportation is one of the world's foremost suppliers of locomotives and rail transportation
solutions. The company has utilised its Information System to transform its business and drive growth over time. Here
are some examples of how the Information System of GE Transportation has impacted its business:

 GE Transportation has developed a predictive maintenance system that utilises sensor data from locomotives
to predict when maintenance is required. This enables the company to schedule maintenance before problems
arise, thereby preventing breakdowns and minimising downtime. Additionally, this system permits GE
Transportation to optimise maintenance schedules, resulting in substantial cost savings.

 RailConnect 360 is a digital platform developed by GE Transportation that provides real-time data and
analytics to optimise rail operations. This platform enables the company to monitor locomotive performance,
track shipment movements, and identify supply chain bottlenecks. RailConnect 360 has increased GE
Transportation's operational efficiency and enabled the company to provide superior customer service.

 GE Transportation has developed a fuel management system that optimises fuel consumption using data
analytics. This system collects information regarding locomotive performance, fuel consumption, and weather
conditions in order to determine the most fuel-efficient routes and speeds. Consequently, GE Transportation
has reduced fuel consumption and operating expenses.

 Digital Twin: GE Transportation has created a digital twin of its locomotives that simulates the performance
of each locomotive using real-time data. This system allows the company to anticipate potential problems and
optimise locomotive performance. The digital twin has also assisted GE Transportation in enhancing the
design of new locomotives, leading to improved performance and dependability.

 Asset Performance Management: GE Transportation has developed an asset performance management

system that optimises the performance of its locomotives and other assets through the use of data analytics.
This system gathers information regarding locomotive performance, maintenance schedules, and
environmental conditions in order to identify potential issues and optimise asset performance. Consequently,
GE Transportation has been able to reduce asset downtime and increase asset dependability.

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 Learning Outcome

GE continued to invest in IS and technology throughout the years, significantly improving its business operations and
the products and services it offered.
Through its emphasis on data analytics, GE's evolution in IS has transformed the global industry in a significant way.
GE has made substantial investments in data analytics tools, enabling it to collect and analyse vast quantities of
operational, product, and service data. This data-driven strategy has allowed GE to optimise its business operations
and enhance the effectiveness of its manufacturing and supply chain processes.
GE's aviation division, for instance, employs data analytics to monitor the performance of its aircraft engines in real
time. The company collects data on tens of thousands of data points, such as temperature, pressure, and fuel flow, in
order to identify potential problems before they become severe. This data-driven strategy has enabled GE to reduce
maintenance costs, minimise downtime, and increase aircraft engine reliability.
In addition to data analytics, the evolution of GE's IS has resulted in the creation of innovative products and services
that have revolutionised industries. GE's digital wind farm, which uses sensors and analytics to optimise the
performance of wind turbines, is one example. By collecting data on wind speed, temperature, and other
environmental factors, GE is able to optimise energy production by adjusting the position and speed of each turbine.
This has increased the efficiency and affordability of wind energy, making it a more viable alternative to traditional
fossil fuels.
GE's development of its fully connected, data-driven manufacturing facility, the Brilliant Factory, is yet another
instance of its innovation in IS. The Brilliant Factory optimises manufacturing processes with advanced automation,
data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI), resulting in higher-quality products, shorter lead times, and lower costs.
This has revolutionised the manufacturing industry and increased GE's competitiveness in a market that is rapidly
changing.
Overall, the evolution of GE's IS has had a revolutionary effect on the global industry. GE was able to optimise its
business operations, reduce costs, and improve the efficiency and dependability of its products and services by
investing in data analytics, innovative products and services, and advanced automation technologies. This has made
GE a market leader in multiple industries, including aviation, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing, and has
positioned the company for future growth and success.

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 References
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