Technology innovations for business are constantly evolving. Society has become more mobile, and business transactions take place around the clock and across the globe. Even machines can now communicate and learn from each other. When it’s time to choose new technologies for your business, understanding these technology innovations should help to narrow down the new products and services to a notable few.
Mobile Payment Gateways
With the trend toward online and mobile business, flexibility is key. Mobile payment gateways allow you to accept credit card payments on your smartphone, anywhere and anytime. Depending on the app, a variety of features are available, such as the ability to process crypto-currencies and multiple languages and currencies. Others offer audit features that enable you to track customer payments. Some banks even offer payment gateway services that conveniently link directly to the bank.
Benefits are not limited to vendors; customers will also find mobile payments increasingly convenient. For example, some payment gateways offer one-click checkout options that simplify the payment process.
Processing fees, charges and services vary among payment gateways, so it’s a good idea to research thoroughly before signing up.
Robotics
Robots are becoming more common in the workplace, especially in service and administrative sectors. Hospitals use robots to deliver meals and medications, freeing the nursing staff to devote time to patient care. At many fast food restaurants, customers now place their orders and pay at a computer. Companies use robots to move stock in their warehouses.
A striking example of robots in the workplace is the digital receptionist developed by the Arc Company. This technology allows businesses to use a digital concierge to manage customer appointments and meetings. A computer-generated person on a screen greets customers and prompts them to sign in using a tablet. The digital receptionist can even order coffee, admit an employee into the meeting room, or reserve a car for the customer.
Although job loss to robots is a legitimate concern, the switch to robotics can benefit businesses and employees. Since robots have replaced people in some unskilled or dangerous jobs, workplace injuries will likely decrease, and employees will have more time to devote to complex and meaningful tasks. Businesses will save money when tasks are performed by robots instead of employees. When there is a shortage of workers in certain jobs, robotics will help companies continue to function.
While robotics in the workplace can seem like a double-edged sword, it is an innovation that businesses are embracing. This technology will likely be a game-changer for years to come.
Mobile Apps for Field Service
Service industries such as landscaping and construction are turning to smartphones and mobile phones for business management and customer service. Field services have specific needs when it comes to invoicing, scheduling, contracts, and other details. Now businesses can rely on the flexibility and 24/7 availability of mobile apps for these tasks.
With mobile field service apps, employees can now seamlessly carry out business tasks on the job. Contractors can issue invoices and make schedule changes at the job site instead of waiting until they’re back in the office. Service technicians can manage estimates and quotes. Customers and technicians both benefit from the real-time capabilities of mobile field service apps.
Features and capabilities vary depending on the specific app. Some apps provide maps, while others offer inventory management. Some include customer relations management (CRM) software while others have features for specific industries, such as healthcare. If you operate a service industry company, a field services app can help streamline your business.
Drone Technologies
A wide range of industries are relying on drone technology for aerial photography, surveying, and other services. Also known as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drones have become a business tool in many sectors. The World Drones Congress predicts that between 2015 and 2022, the drone technology market will increase by about 25 percent.
Real estate, engineering, and risk management have led the demand for drones, but other industries have begun to use the technology. Agriculture has turned to drone technology for a variety of tasks, including crop monitoring, aerial spraying, and soil analysis. Construction companies use drones to inspect roofs, power lines, bridges and other assets. Project managers can send their home office aerial photographs of a job site on a regular basis.
Cloud Computing
Businesses have been using the cloud for a variety of storage, management and collaboration tasks. Besides streamlining the work environment, a key innovation will be the cloud as a tool to enhance customer experience. For example, companies can use the cloud to receive instant feedback from customers about products, services, or the company’s website.
The cloud’s greatest advantage is its capacity to store and analyze vast amounts of data for businesses. Combined with analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), the cloud can help businesses use algorithms to quickly analyze and transform customer experience.
The World Economic Forum predicts that 72 percent of businesses worldwide will have adopted cloud computing by 2022. This is a technological trend that no business can ignore.
Conclusion
Businesses of all sizes and industries can benefit from today’s technology innovations. Whether your business emphasizes customer service, healthcare, or project management, a helpful app or software is available to make your workplace more efficient. It is well worth the time and effort to stay informed about technological innovations for business. The right tech product or service may be just what your business needs to stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing marketplace.
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