The rapid adoption of digital tools and technologies introduces big challenges for jewelry manufacturers. Companies need to innovate and produce faster than ever before, delivering a total product experience at lower cost. Competition comes from within and outside the industry, and from new companies born on the web. To thrive means to change how the work gets done. Companies must be nimble, flexible and agile. This paper describes digital disruption and the new mindset transforming work. It introduces agile project management techniques and how the adoption of this approach from Information Technology can be applied to increase speed and responsiveness and to simplify jewelry manufacturing processes. Digital disrupters are rewriting the rules of business; understanding the new environment and how to respond is critical for addressing both the opportunities and challenges of the digital age.

Author: Anne B. Miller