The business has changed dramatically over the last twenty to thirty years. With new sophisticated technologies and, in particular, our increasing reliance on the internet, more opportunities are open to companies than ever before to find new markets, streamline operations and explore wider horizons.
As the scope and intelligence of technology and programming have increased, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are on the verge of dominating the workplace and commerce in general. Recent research suggests around 60% of most of the tasks currently performed manually by workers could be conducted quicker, more effectively, and with less chance of error by machines.
Emerging new technologies (and especially AI) are about the change our worlds forever. As most industry experts suggest, we are literally on the verge of a new industrial revolution. But just how will this new model of work affect business – and how can you ready your firm for a brave new world of automation and machines?
Big data is the key – as is service provision
Faster connection speeds, intelligent devices, vastly improved mobile communications, the Internet of Things (IoT), an increased understanding of the world around us – the list goes on in terms of how data is starting to transform business.
Where once the shop floor, manual labor, and meeting rooms were the backbone of corporations, now remote working, e-commerce, data analysis, and automation have come to the fore. As the boundary between the real and virtual worlds becomes increasingly blurred, firms are coming to appreciate the importance of understanding their operations better through studying data. With that knowledge has come to the realization that outsourcing IT support and resources to specialized third-party providers with the capability to upscale services are integral to the success of the modern business. The world is going digital and having a skilled partner onside is now an essential component for commercial success. In no particular order, digital solutions offer:
- Sustainability
- Security
- Scalability
- Improved integration
- Efficiency
- Personalization
- Profitability
- The possibilities for remote collaboration
The recent Coronavirus showed us just how much we have already come to rely on tech. Without the option of remote networking, many companies would have folded through the restrictions imposed by isolation – not to mention the fact that the growth of e-commerce accelerated almost beyond comprehension through the lockdown. Now, more than ever, the web is an integral and essential part of life.
AI, automation, machines – the next great revolution
As we increasingly move more of our lives online, so we have come to integrate our work and personal activities with technology – smart tech capable of monitoring, interpreting, understanding, and predicting our actions and preferences. AI is already having an impact on all areas of life and the trend shows no signs of slowing. As machines come to learn more about us, so they will be able to more accurately predict our likes, dislikes, preferences, and habits – all essential information for firms looking to better serve their clients.
Combine this intelligence with additive manufacturing, smart devices, automated production, and machines capable of cognitive thought and it seems clear the future of business is definitely on the verge of radical change – as are many other areas of life as we currently know it.
