Digital Transformation is in our DNA!

  1. 42 years of DIS. Tell us a bit about its history and its development.

For 42 years, DIS has maintained its youthful vigor, consistently leading with innovation, and fostering close relationships with our customers and executives. As pioneers in our industry, we stand out for our continuous innovation and success. But how did our journey begin?

Established in 1982 by Yannis Kyriakopoulos, a renowned figure in Greece’s IT sector, DIS identified an early market demand for ready-to-use ERP business solutions. At the time, ERP systems were a groundbreaking concept. We launched ComPak/400, a trailblazing product on IBM’s AS/400 platform, thanks to  Mr. Kyriakopoulos’s forward-thinking approach. This innovation was followed by the successful introduction of ComPak/WIN in 1997. DIS significantly influenced the IT industry’s evolution by forming LogicDIS, which became the largest IT group in Greece with 1,300 employees, 24 subsidiaries, and 200 business partners.

In 2006, DIS was reestablished, focusing on business software solutions. Our strategy involved leveraging major international brands’ business solutions, enriched with best local practices and specialized solutions. Microsoft emerged as our strategic partner. We began by implementing Microsoft Axapta ERP solutions and were the first Microsoft partner to embrace the migration of their solutions to the cloud. Today, we are the leading Microsoft Dynamics 365 partner.

The cornerstone of DIS’s success lies in our certified executives, who bring decades of experience to support our more than 300 customers across 30 countries daily.

  1. What is DIS’ vision and position in the Greek market today? What are the company’s main areas of activity?

At DIS we are transforming tomorrow today.

Our vision is to serve as the unwavering ally of businesses, guiding their growth in the dynamic landscape of today’s world. We strive to create an environment where individuals can effortlessly tap into their creativity and knowledge, ensuring peak efficiency in every project they tackle.

We stand firm in our core values:

  • Creating impactful value is the essence of our brand.
  • Our spirit is one of constant curiosity; we are forward thinkers who welcome new ideas.
  • Innovation is our commitment; we drive progress through our profound expertise.
  • We consistently deliver on our promises.

Adhering to these principles has established us as a market leader in business applications.

Our expertise is grounded in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the Power Platforms (BI, Apps, Flow). Leveraging these technologies, we’ve distilled best practices from our domestic and international experience to offer tailored solutions. We cater to specific sectors such as Industry, Retail and Wholesale, Consumer Products, Automotive, and provide comprehensive solutions for Supply Chain, Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Corporate Talent Management.

  1. Cloud computing is a crucial part of digital transformation and a major focus for DIS. What does the cloud offer? What concerns do businesses have before deciding to use the cloud?

We are a pioneering cloud company, having successfully executed over 100 cloud projects, a feat that has not gone unrecognized. For three consecutive years, we’ve been honored as the Cloud Provider of the Year in Greece.

Our venture into the cloud, notably as the first Microsoft partner to introduce business solutions in this space, was driven by our inherent curiosity and commitment to innovation. We’re always on the lookout for new advancements that can deliver additional value to our customers.

Our decision to embrace the cloud has proven to be prescient. In today’s era, leveraging cloud systems is fundamental for any company’s digital transformation journey.

Many may recall or are still operating within an on-premise environment, characterized by interconnected systems, a mix of hardware, software, databases, and networks, each potentially varying from system to system. Upgrades in such environments are often fraught with challenges, including high costs, compatibility issues, security vulnerabilities, and notably, the difficulty of integrating new technologies due to the stagnation in innovation on outdated platforms and systems.

In contrast, the cloud mitigates many of these issues. Problems that would typically burden a company become the responsibility of the cloud service provider. Software is delivered as a service (SaaS), accessible from anywhere, on any device. Cloud services can be scaled to meet demand, allowing for efficient resource management. Security is bolstered through advanced encryption, access controls, and compliance certifications. Upgrades are seamlessly applied, and innovative solutions are predominantly cloud-based.

Before transitioning to the cloud, some industries may have concerns regarding compliance and regulatory requirements. The security and privacy of business data, now under the stewardship of a third-party provider, and the reliance on such providers, are also valid discussions.

These apprehensions are understandable; however, the advantages of cloud services overwhelmingly support the shift towards cloud adoption. They enable businesses to innovate and operate more efficiently in the digital age.

  1. DIS possesses extensive expertise in the comprehensive suite of Microsoft’s enterprise solutions

DIS consistently delivers outstanding results, grounded in our deep knowledge base. Every executive at DIS specializes in one or more areas, evidenced by the certifications they earn. They continually update and expand their expertise through study and recertification, blending foundational knowledge with the experience gained from executing successful projects. Our approach is to advance by perpetually enhancing our skills.

Our pursuit of excellence is marked by numerous individual certifications, which collectively contribute to corporate certifications and specializations. DIS has made a strategic, long-term investment in our relationship with Microsoft, working closely with them to achieve both individual and corporate certifications.

We are proud to announce our recent achievement of the highest certification for the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations solution as a Microsoft Specialization in Business Applications – Finance. This marks us as the first Microsoft System Integrator partner in Greece—and one of only 17 partners across EMEA—to receive this distinction.

  1. What are the key elements of a successful business digital transformation.

It’s essential to understand that at its core, transformation is about business transformation. The digital implementation aspect broadens the scope for introducing new products and services, exploring new markets, and developing new business models.

We have collaborated closely with our customers on numerous business digital transformation projects. Emphasizing the collaborative nature of these projects is crucial, as our experience shows they can be complex. Initially, our role leans towards advising the business leadership rather than the IT department. It’s vital that the leadership possesses a clear vision and strategy, which will be actualized through a digital project.

We guide the key executives on their involvement in the project and their specific roles. Working alongside the client, we craft the project’s “roadmap,” outlining milestones, timelines, necessary resources, and early successes to highlight the project’s value. Together, we assess the current technological landscape and, in partnership with the IT department, plan the transition to a new or enhanced setup. This setup invariably includes cloud-based solutions, alongside updated ERP, CRM, HR, BI databases, security systems, etc., forming the foundation for the company’s transformation.

  1. Artificial Intelligence is considered the next big thing and seems to monopolize interest today. What are DIS’s investments and moves in this area?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents the next significant frontier in technology, marking a pivotal moment that is set to profoundly transform not only the business landscape but also our personal lives. The last technological revolution of this magnitude was the advent of the internet. To draw a parallel, our current position with AI is akin to where the internet stood in the mid-1990s—a period brimming with vast potential, anticipation for groundbreaking developments, apprehensions about its implications, and resistance to the unknown.

AI is being embraced with both enthusiasm and scrutiny, evolving at a pace that can be challenging to match. For instance, ChatGPT achieved the milestone of 100 million users in just three months

At DIS, our innate curiosity drives us to actively engage with AI. We are involved in training and testing software, always with a practical approach in mind.

Today, there are software solutions that integrate seamlessly with the systems we have deployed, delivering immediate value. The Microsoft Dynamics 365 Copilot, for example, enables us to execute scenarios that provide insights far more efficiently than traditional tools, which would likely yield outdated results.

Imagine if financial management could identify customers at risk of defaulting on payments or detect potential fraud. Marketing and sales teams could accurately predict when a product’s consumption might peak at a specific outlet. These predictions, powered by AI algorithms, enhance the precision of demand forecasting within the ERP system, thereby optimizing inventory management, production planning, and resource allocation. These examples only scratch the surface of what’s possible today with AI.

  1. What are the characteristics of DIS that differentiate it from its competitors?

Throughout DIS’s existence, we’ve cultivated a corporate culture that forms our unique DNA, setting us apart and fueling our competitiveness. What makes us distinctive and elevates us above our competitors?

Primarily, it’s our people that make the difference. I take immense pride in the DIS team, some of whom have been with us for over 20 years, including during periods of rebuilding the company. They are always ready to assist our customers, offer advice on projects, and work late to address problems. Their quality, professionalism, expertise, and experience become apparent from the very first interaction with potential clients.

Another distinguishing factor is our clientele. With over 300 clients and 100 digital transformation projects executed in the cloud, the success of our projects speaks for itself, often spreading through word of mouth. A successful project never remains unnoticed.

Our certifications also set us apart. Beyond meeting the basic requirements, these formal recognitions in the market attest to our knowledge and expertise.

Lastly, our awards speak volumes. For three consecutive years, we’ve been named Cloud Provider of the Year. This recognition is a testament to DIS’s exceptional service and expertise, underscoring our team’s relentless commitment and dedication to surpassing expectations and providing unmatched service. As “Champions of Digital Transformation,” these accolades not only highlight our innovative solutions and exceptional customer support but also reflect our significant contributions to the industry.

  1. What is your vision for the future?

DIS sees itself as a steadfast partner to businesses, dedicated to fostering their development in an ever-evolving market through the transformative potential of AI. With a legacy built on the visionary ethos of its founder, DIS strives to pioneer technological advancements while upholding a customer-centric and employee-centric ethos. The company’s vision extends beyond merely adjusting to change; it aims to be at the forefront of driving change, ensuring sustained prosperity for both DIS and its clientele for years to come. This steadfast dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, respect for individuals, and leadership excellence embodies DIS’s aspiration to mold the trajectory of business advancement in the future.