Evolution led by technology characterizes the history of work. Ever since the Industrial Revolution, new technology has continually changed the way we work. Huge machines changed the face of manufacturing. New modes of transport redefined the transfer of goods. Computers and telecommunications replaced several tools, equipment and supplies on office desks.
With new technology developing at lightning speed, the change has accelerated manifold in recent decades. What was once considered the ‘future of work’ is now here. We take a look at three exciting technology innovations that are changing the way we work, think and execute our tasks.
1) Digitalization: Bridging physical world limitations
New developments in software and technology have helped convert several business processes to digital. Many manual and recurring tasks have been automated. Not only has this helped organizations to save time and resources, but also made their processes more efficient and effective. Cloud computing and advanced collaboration tools have enabled businesses to function remotely. In some cases, it is now possible for organizations to run seamlessly with minimum physical commercial infrastructure.
Most of these technologies have existed for some time but were not adopted because organizations didn’t see the need to disturb the status quo. When COVID-19-related restrictions on physical movement left no other option, companies were quick to adapt to a digital way of being. The experiment resulted in many types of benefits and convinced organizations to accept the new way of work.
2) Big Data: Revolutionizing decision making
Big data is changing the way professionals and executives think and make decisions. The sources from where data can be collected have expanded exponentially – from IoT to social networks, company, and government data to detailed customer profiles. Digitalization, too, has played a role as more records turn digital. Powerful servers and special data centers have made storage convenient. Meanwhile, sophisticated computing systems have made it possible to access and analyze massive amounts of data from various sources instantly and in real-time.
There was a time when businesses solely depended on data from paper records. This offered limited insights based on past events and required manual analysis which was time and resource consuming. Big data offers automated insights for better and quicker decision making. It also equips organizations with predictive models and simulations to foresee the future and prepare for it ahead of time.
3) Driverless technology: Reshaping logistics and mobility
Unmanned technology of various types – drones to cars and autonomous robots – have been making waves in technology circles for some years. While most of this technology is still in trial or development stages, many are betting big on its potential to transform logistics and mobility as we know it. Once regulations related to the use of drones evolve, their production and applications are set to accelerate across sectors.
They are most popularly known for delivering consumer goods, but drones have proved useful in making speedy deliveries of critical medicines to remote areas. Drones are also being used in disaster management and relief efforts, going places that are hard to reach or risky for humans. In addition to these, drones can be used for geo-mapping, surveys, and remote sensing. They also hold promise for the agriculture and industrial sectors, allowing for better inspection and management of crops and assets.
To be a business relevant to the times, organizations will need to implement innovations and new technology developments. They will play a leading role in shaping how businesses operate and function in the future.
