Technologies have advanced at a rapid rate over the last ten years, and this has proved beneficial for businesses both big and small. Not only are technologies improving efficiency and productivity, but they also allow companies to save money and enhance their customer service. Below is a list of eight technologies and how they are transforming business.
Automated Software
When it comes to revolutionizing business, automation is at the top of the list. From automated emails to automated payroll systems, new advances in software and platforms are allowing businesses to streamline their processes and improve efficiency. Automation can also provide better customer service as businesses are less tied down with time-consuming admin. Examples of common business automation include:
- HR and hiring processes
- Scheduling (for businesses that take appointments)
- File transfers (e.g. Dropbox)
- Report generation
- Email automation
- Accounting
- Customer communication
- Marketing
Desktop Virtualization
Virtualization consists of the creation of a virtual version of an entity to execute a specific function. Desktop virtualization allows several computers to run off one system (i.e. the server), rather than off the computer hard drive. The advantage is that users can access the desktop application from anywhere, which is ideal in the new world of remote working. Many organizations allow their employees to access key files and applications from their own computers, no matter where they are.
Virtual Assistants
Most people are familiar with virtual assistants, especially if they shop online. While some companies use automated assistants to respond to simple queries (e.g. Amazon), other companies employ people to answer customer queries using the chat function at the bottom of the page.
Virtual assistants can also extend to receptionists or online answering service. Some third-party companies provide online virtual assistants who can take and log calls, while also filtering out unnecessary calls that you are too busy to answer. Virtual assistant services are ideal for business owners who are incredibly busy and who want a cost-effective way of dealing with customer queries.
AR and VR
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are still in their infancy, but this technology is proving to be highly beneficial for the customer experience. For example, clothing and retail shops use AR to allow consumers to superimpose garments onto themselves. Online furniture stores also provide the ability to superimpose furniture to see how it looks in a room. Other examples of how AR/VR benefits businesses include VR tours of homes or hotels, VR-aided training for employees, and virtual product demos for would-be customers.
WiFi Virtualization
Virtualization is a great way for small businesses to manage their services without forking out on the costs of hiring IT staff. For example, companies can outsource their WiFi to a third-party provider who can manage the service and deal with contingencies such as downtime. This can be a cost-effective way for businesses to run their services remotely or as part of a wider plan to move all back-end functions to a centralized data center.
Messaging Apps
No longer relegated to just friends and family, messaging apps are also taking center stage when it comes to customer service. Unlike email or telephone, messaging apps allow customers to get answers to their queries immediately and more efficiently. These apps also allow businesses to embed other services such as shipping trackers or virtual assistants into their messages. While there are many messaging apps to choose from, the most popular are:
- Facebook Messenger
- Telegram
- Threema
- Line
- Viber
- The Website Messenger
Storage Virtualization
Like desktop virtualization, storage virtualization allows information to be stored on a virtual server rather than a hard drive. Known commonly as cloud storage, this type of technology allows businesses and personal users to store large amounts of files outside their computers. For example, platforms such as iCloud and Google Drive are used by many businesses to improve efficiency. Not only does this allow the information to be retrieved from any location, but it is also safer. With work and communication operating in an increasingly remote way, storage virtualization is becoming the norm.
The IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is another set of revolutionary technologies that are transforming businesses. Consisting of objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and processing ability, the IoT allows multiple devices to connect and exchange data. Well-known examples include smart home devices (e.g. Alexa), wearable health technologies, bike helmet crash sensors, and more.
When it comes to business operations, the IoT is allowing industries to collect data on processes and improve efficiency. For example, smart factory equipment can help warehouses evaluate demand and alter the stages of production through real-time tracking of inventory and machinery.
