Many of the changes wrought by the current wave of business transformation are most easily recognised in white-collar service-based businesses where products can be readily digitised. However it would be a mistake to assume that blue-collar trades aren't affected or that employees in those jobs aren't also influenced by trends such as consumer empowerment.

Asciano general manager, health safety and environment, Richard Coleman disputed suggestions that businesses such as his are somehow immune to the disruptive impact of new digital technologies.