Emerging Technologies: The presentation emphasizes on the substantial impact that new and emerging technologies have on organizations today.
By the end of this session, learners should be able to:
Discuss the impact of new and emerging digital technologies on organizations.
Explain various current and emerging technologies influencing organizations.
Discuss approaches for embedding new technologies for organizational efficiency.
Consider safety and security aspects of utilizing new technologies.
Analyze the role of technologies in communication.
Evaluate ways organizations can remain updated with continuously evolving technologies.
Rapid Change: Technology has long been present in business. However, the pace of change is accelerating with the emergence of new technologies.
Types of Emerging Changes: Emerging technological changes can be classified into three categories:
Products: Innovations in research, development, and customer experience.
Processes: Changes in operational methods and required skills.
Communications: Transformations in information dissemination and message exchange.
PESTLE Analysis: A PESTLE analysis should incorporate potential impacts and costs of changes as well as new products and processes.
Product Availability: Technology enhances the availability of products and services for customers. Examples include:
Online banking,
Online shopping,
Medical devices,
Home automation,
Online learning.
Customer Experience: Organizations must respond to the evolving customer experience (CX) and the need for user-centric digital products (UX).
Demand for Innovation: There is a growing demand for new products as technology advances. Companies need to continuously research customer needs. Key research includes:
Customer insights,
Search engine optimization (SEO),
Integration of new hardware/software,
Product improvement to match customer expectations.
A focus on technology that meets customer needs can drive accurate marketing and product development strategies.
Production Processes: The manufacturing sector often leads in adopting emerging technologies. This includes:
Robotics for efficiency and productivity,
AI logistics for optimizing shipping routes,
Cost and time savings.
According to a study by the McKinsey Global Institute, 70% of companies are predicted to utilize at least one type of AI technology by 2030.
Automation in Business Processes: Automation significantly influences business processes like:
Money management (invoicing and transfers),
Secure file sharing,
Legal documentation management,
Calendar and availability management,
Real-time data consolidation.
Organizations adopt new technologies predominantly where significant opportunities for improvement and growth exist.
Enhanced Communication: The advancements in technology facilitate easier and global communication. Highlights include:
Conducting business with suppliers worldwide,
Teleconferencing and virtual office setups,
24/7 customer relations managed by chatbots,
Interactive displays for presentations.
The efficiency of technology enables effective tracking of conversations and enhances customer service quality.
The pace of technological advances shows no signs of slowing down. Organizations are adapting to new applications, though some still resist due to costs, skill deficiencies, or uncertainty about value.
Key emerging technologies include:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Virtual Reality (VR)
Internet of Things (IOT)
Robotics
3D Printing
Drones
Biometrics
Big Data
Cloud Computing
Cyber Security
Blockchain.
Definition: The IOT comprises interconnected systems of computers and devices equipped with embedded software and sensors, facilitating data collection and sharing.
Four Pillars of IOT: To ensure effective IOT functionality, the following pillars must exist:
Data,
Device,
Analytics,
Connectivity.
Applications: Originally used by manufacturers, the IOT now influences various industries, including agriculture and smart cities.
Definition: AR overlays visual and auditory information onto the physical world to enhance user experience.
Business Applications include:
3D modeling in design fields,
Training simulations,
Medical applications in surgery,
Virtual makeup applications.
Comparison with Virtual Reality (VR): Unlike VR, which creates a fully virtual environment, AR enhances the real world with virtual elements.
Importance: 5G is designed to offer high-speed, reliable mobile network connectivity, facilitating the growth of applications like AR/VR in business.
Potential Applications: Such as driverless cars, smart city management, and renewable energy systems.
Definition: Drones are flying robots used for various commercial applications, including aerial photography and agriculture.
Use Cases: Industries like construction utilize drones for tasks that require significant safety management and precision.
Definition: Biometrics refers to identifying individuals through their biological traits, such as fingerprints and facial recognition.
Applications: Biometrics is used in numerous fields including banking, mobile access, and security, although concerns regarding personal data collection have arisen.
Definition: Big Data consists of large datasets that require specialized tools for collection and analysis.
Business Uses: Understanding customer trends and enhancing decision-making capabilities through data analysis are key advantages of leveraging big data.
Organizations must adapt to incorporate new technologies to maintain a competitive edge. Strategies include:
Investigating technologies that solve specific problems,
Implementing pilot programs,
Comprehensive staff training.
Digital transformation is vital for survival in an increasingly digital world.
Cybersecurity: Protection against cyber threats is crucial, with issues such as ransomware and data breaches posing significant risks to organizations.
Organizations can mitigate risks by assessing security infrastructures, ensuring proper protocols are in place, and monitoring data activity in real-time.
Organizations should actively engage in practices that keep them informed about rapid technological advancements, such as:
Joining technology forums,
Subscribing to industry newsletters,
Attending seminars and webinars.
Staying updated in technological knowledge is key for 21st-century organizations.