In this particular episode, Kyle speaks with Tim Stevens,the co-founder and CEO of AUGOS. AUGOS is a company dedicated to transformingraw data into actionable insights. Tim, a self-described serialentrepreneur and problem solver, explains that AUGOS leverages technologyto solve everyday business problems in a pragmatic way.
AUGOS's journey began in 2007 as "power guys"during South Africa's blackouts and load shedding, initially by importinggenerators. They quickly realised the critical need for data to correctly sizethese generators for large corporates. This insight was the genesis moment forAUGOS (then Powerstar), as they recognised that business leaders requiredbetter data to manage their key resources. The company has since evolvedfrom real-time electricity measurement to monitoring other resources,environmental factors, and, most excitingly, measuring manufacturingeffectiveness, labour, and capital.
A core focus for AUGOS is identifying and solvinginefficiencies, which they view as significant opportunities for businessesto achieve gains, akin to eliminating waste. They pride themselves on beingpragmatic, emphasizing that data is merely a means to an end; the truebusiness is solving problems and driving transformation.
AUGOS helps companies make "micro adjustments" to their operations orbusiness models, recognizing that constant change necessitates regular tuningto prevent performance degradation. This includes optimizing aspects liketariff regimes, which can lead to millions in savings through simpleadministrative changes. They also note that sometimes, businesses are too closeto their problems and a fresh data point or outside perspective can revealobvious opportunities.
AUGOS is also leveraging smart technologies like AIto enhance their offerings. Instead of packaging answers or pre-framingreports, AI allows customers with access to the data repository to ask anyquestion they like and frame the data in any way they choose. This isparticularly powerful in manufacturing, where relationships between energy,compressed air, and productive output can be explored to determine unit costsand easily identify opportunities.
Beyond South Africa, where they serve numerous Fortune500 companies like PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Unilever, as well as leadingSouth African brands, AUGOS has expanded into Africa and the Middle East,including a long-standing customer relationship with the Sevenstar Burj Al Arabin Dubai. The company is now actively expanding into Thailand, seekingpartners to apply their IP and experience in this new market. Tim highlightsthat Thailand's manufacturing sector is substantially larger than SouthAfrica's and presents a very strong market, noting that few companies can matchAUGOS's capabilities, particularly in manufacturing data insights.
One key lesson Tim shares for aspiring entrepreneurs is to pickyour objective and stay true to it, pushing through challenges with beliefand passion, even when it feels like a lonely journey.
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