5 Groundbreaking Technologies Your Business Needs
Technology is advancing faster than ever before. Being a business owner is all about adapting to change, and few things are changing more rapidly than the tools that we use to live our modern lifestyles. It’s not always clear to see how these innovations will affect the corporate world directly, but some seem destined to improve the ways that we do business. Here are five technologies that any growing business should be ready to take advantage of.
1. Automation Technologies
Possibly the biggest story in business technology over the past few years has been the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This progress has mostly been in the digital realm, with cloud computing enabling sophisticated AI programs to be run from smartphone apps. Customer relationship management (CRM) programs are able to track consumers’ interactions with a business and automated sales systems can put digital marketing campaigns (such as email or SMS marketing) on autopilot to a large degree. Automation is also impacting manufacturing, as supervised robotic systems are starting to take over menial tasks. An array of automation control systems exist to keep these new robotic marvels functioning properly, making this technology even more robust.
2. Project Management Software
An offshoot of digital automation that can massively streamline your business processes is project management software. Programs like Base camp and Meister Task aid in coordinating project planning by calculating resource allocation and drawing up schedules. They can also save and share important project-related documents in addition to facilitating communication and coordination between team members, even ones working remotely. Digital time sheet apps are another technology that managers should consider investing in since they streamline the process of payroll accounting; another unique challenge when so many workers are either remote or freelancers assigned to special schedules.
3. Next-Generation Security Systems
Online is where people do business these days, but it carries as many risks as it does rewards. According to the National Cybersecurity Institute, over 60% of small and mid-sized businesses that get attacked go out of business. As information technology advances, cyberattacks become easier to execute. Blockchain encryption is one technology that can make databases virtually unassailable. Another cutting-edge defense that any business should consider is endpoint security for remotely networked devices. Don’t skimp on physical security either. Biometric solutions like iris scanners are more effective than fingerprint readers and, according to the Center for Global Development, are falling in price, which is great news for startups.
4. Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) technology is akin to virtual reality but differs in that instead of immersing the user in a simulated reality, AR systems overlay simply overlay digital information onto the real world via wearable technology. A good example of this is AR glasses. These and other wearable technologies are making a large impact in the business world, and in a surprising way: keeping workers safe on the job. Manufacturing and construction processes are filled with hazards, many of which are invisible until they cause disaster. Industrial AR wearables can give workers a heads-up display with caution notices and equipment condition status. This same technology can even improve the quality of initial training and onboarding by using immersive visual learning to improve recall and reduce errors. The utility of this tech will only grow as processing power increases.
5. Additive Manufacturing Systems
Another futuristic technology that seems too good to be true is 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing. Well, it works, and it promises to revolutionize supply chains. Additive manufacturing builds objects one layer at a time from a feedstock material such as metal powder or more commonly a polymer resin. The variety of feedstock and the precision of the layering are increasing all the time, meaning that very soon complicated machinery can be made to order right at the storefront for consumers from a set of blueprints. This will change how supply networks function at their most basic level and will give both inventors and store owners a distinct edge in terms of versatility.
We can never know what the future may bring in terms of innovation. The technologies outlined here, though, are already beginning to affect powerful and positive changes in the way business is done.
