CASE STUDY
An in-depth description of a firm’s approach to an IT management issue (intended for MBA and executive education)
Working Paper: Case Study
Caterpillar’s Digital Data Journey
Caterpillar’s digital journey has led to AI capabilities having the collective knowledge of Caterpillar and a relentless focus on simplifying the customer experience.
Abstract
In 2019, Caterpillar Inc. (Caterpillar) announced the goal of doubling its 2016 $14 billion services revenues by 2026. The global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives committed to establishing a robust digital ecosystem as a core enabler of growth. A cornerstone of this digital vision was a single, reliable data source and scalable digital development platform, which the company would call Helios. By 2025, Caterpillar had established a digital platform that enabled a digital ecosystem of capabilities, including e-commerce, fleet management, and predictive and preventative maintenance. Also, by 2025, Caterpillar had grown services from $14 billion to $24 billion. This case study describes Caterpillar’s digital data journey, which involved establishing architecture and infrastructure, as well as how the organization developed data content and delivery and drove adoption, scale, and innovation.
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About the Researchers
Barbara H. Wixom, Principal Research Scientist, MIT Center for Information Systems Research (CISR)
Joaquin Rodriguez, Assistant Professor of Information Systems, Grenoble Ecole de Management and Academic Research Fellow, MIT CISR
Gabriele Piccoli, Professor, Louisiana State University and Academic Research Fellow, MIT CISR
Cynthia M. Beath, Professor Emerita, University of Texas at Austin and Academic Research Fellow, MIT CISR
MIT CENTER FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH (CISR)
Founded in 1974 and grounded in MIT's tradition of combining academic knowledge and practical purpose, MIT CISR helps executives meet the challenge of leading increasingly digital and data-driven organizations. We work directly with digital leaders, executives, and boards to develop our insights. Our research is funded by member organizations that support our work and participate in our consortium.
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