Can you imagine selling 100,000,000,000 units of a product?
Well, what I can’t even begin to imagine, BIC turned into reality…
And that was 18 years ago when they sold their 100 billionth BIC ballpoint pen (the one you see in the picture).
So, let’s say that 79 years ago you created the most popular pen in history. It’s been selling at 50+ units per second ever since.
How do you innovate?
Do you change it and push something else on stage? Or do you change what goes on behind the curtain?
Wait! Hold that thought.
First, let me give you the context…
BIC SA, a global leader in writing instruments, lighters, and shavers, has created ingeniously simple and joyful products for over 79 years.
With a presence in more than 160 countries, the company has maintained its commitment to providing high-quality, affordable products to consumers worldwide.
As BIC celebrates its rich history, it also invests heavily in technology, from cloud computing and cybersecurity to artificial intelligence (AI), demonstrating its dedication to innovation and growth.
BIC’s success story began in 1945 when it established its presence in Belgium, with the invention of the world’s first disposable ballpoint pen by Marcel Bich. This revolutionary product quickly gained popularity due to its smooth writing experience, affordability, and convenience.
Since then, the company has expanded to various regions, including Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and South America.
BIC SA’s iconic products, such as the BIC® M10® ballpoint pen, were introduced in 1956, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth.
Over the years, BIC SA has continued to innovate and expand its product offerings, entering new markets and acquiring notable brands like Conté and Tipp-Ex, all of which embody the company’s commitment to quality and value for money.
In addition to its focus on innovation, BIC is committed to sustainability. The company has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as using recycled materials and minimizing waste. These efforts reflect BIC’s commitment to operating responsibly and creating a sustainable future.
Despite its long-standing history, BIC SA is not resting on its laurels. The company is investing heavily in technology to support its strategic objectives and ensure its readiness for the future.
BIC SA’s recent job posting for a Senior Manager, Enterprise IT Infrastructure Architect, highlights its commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies.
The role includes responsibilities such as:
- Active Directory Future State: Develop a strong identity and access management program in partnership with the Cybersecurity team.
- Physical Environment Consolidation: Employing a cloud-first approach to shrink the BIC enterprise’s physical footprint.
- Azure Architecture Refinement: Focusing on governance, security, and effective administration.
- Partnering with Cybersecurity to Develop a Device Management Strategy.
- The Development of AI Standards and Practices: Ensuring BIC is ready to move into the future with AI.
- Backup Strategy Optimization: Eliminating duplicative technologies and defining enterprise standards for on-premises, Azure, and hosted solutions.
These responsibilities demonstrate BIC SA’s dedication to investing in technology and its commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Also, BIC’s commitment to innovation extends to its exploration of AI technologies. The company is currently researching ways to leverage AI to improve product development, optimize supply chains, and personalize marketing campaigns. These efforts demonstrate BIC’s forward-thinking approach and its desire to remain at the forefront of innovation in the digital age.
BIC’s story is an inspiring example of a company that has successfully adapted to the ever-changing technological landscape while staying true to its core values. By embracing innovation and investing in cutting-edge technologies, BIC has ensured its continued growth and success for future generations.
Regardless of the field of activity you belong to, the years of experience, or the challenges you face, technology will help you stay competitive, the immediate benefits being:
- streamline company operations
- enhance customer experience
- gain valuable insights into consumer behavior
- adoption of cloud computing will improve company agility and scalability
- cybersecurity initiatives will protect the company’s sensitive data and ensure the integrity of its online operations
So, what’s your excuse? Whatever it is, we can find solutions together.
