In the business world, the technology you are using highly reflects on your business. Tech programs and their fast development have had a growing effect on how modern professionals conduct business, and that expansion does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. From automation and machine learning how to augmented reality, 2018 has several fascinating technological consequences, especially concerning business growth. Below we describe the top trends and developments in relation to tech and business across several industries.
1. Traceability and Safety Software
In the hospitality sector food security and safety is of the utmost concern. The requirement from supply networks continues to grow traceability and food safety systems. While reviews and certificates are required, using applications that can immediately track any ingredient in a product ensures that an excess layer of security for customers. In the not too distant future, this is going to be a necessity, not an optional extra. Technology has facilitated the ability to source directly from farms and suppliers as well, minimising the risk of contamination and lowering costs.
2. Customer Scheduling
Customer experience and quality service is a high priority in many industries. Offering the client alternatives for the way they interact with you is not brand new, but allowing them to decide when they interact is important. I expect more tools that enable clients to decide on the date, time, style as well as subjects they want to go over during conferences and calls. Client time is precious, and providing them with the capability to restrain it, while engaging in sales activities will alter how we market. The current communication technology is great but seems somewhat fragmented, there must be a system that synchronises all communication and scheduling.
3. Big Data and Machine Learning
The accumulation and availability of information — from social networking content to buying history — will induce the evolution of machine learning business development programs. With so much data simply collected, we need the help of machine learning to interpret and filter all the data to make it useful. Cloud computing has allowed all this data to be stored and with the help of machine learning we can possibly begin to unravel the multitude of data.
4. The Democratisation Of The CRM System
For many businesses, Salesforce altered the face of business development via its revolutionary merchandise and by spurring countless aggressive offerings. But approximately half of companies with 10 workers or less still don’t utilise a CRM. That amount will vary in the new calendar year, as existing suppliers will continue to re-evaluate their offerings and much more options will be introduced to the market. Small sized business across all industries need affordable and user-friendly CRM solutions that suit their business.
5. A Return To Direct, In-Person Relationships Due to Automation
When we think of “shifting” we instantly think innovation or development. The emergence of automation tools has meant that human contact and relationships can sometimes be pushed aside and causing businesses to become out of touch with their clients. Therefore, not long after the shift towards automation, we see enterprises creep back to in-person and direct contact. Automation technology such as chatbots are great for instant information, but not all questions can be answered and there is nothing like talking to an actual human who understands human problems. Automation can provide an economical solution but there are limits to what is possible in terms of current technology.
6. The Merging Of Online And Offline With Augmented Reality
Augmented reality continues to seep into the everyday lives of everyone and businesses in specific industries are taking it on such as retail where customers can virtually shop online but feel like they are in physical store. Augmented Reality also impacts the real estate business, real estate agents are not just there to sell a property but also take on technology to attract buyers. Augmented reality is used to provide real-time on-demand house tours to prospects who are browsing online property sales. The great thing about Augmented reality is that tours and experienced can be saved and viewed offline or in a public setting.
7. Information Augmentation
Successful deals rely on accessibility and accuracy of data. This was easier said than done before the availability of bundled system learning programs in several CRM platforms. The capacity to assimilate, correlate and disperse improved information will give business development professionals an advantage over their counterparts that are dismissing this growing tendency. The increase of technology, however, will mean the need for data protection services and other security measures. Security and complexity are often the biggest reasons for businesses not adopting technology, however, I think that companies need to take plunges and learn to be able to keep ahead.