Although you may not be at the cutting edge of technology development like enterprise-level companies, technology nevertheless plays an important part in the growth and efficiency of your company. These small company technology developments will undoubtedly be prominent in 2021, given how much has changed in the last year.
While new infrastructure such as 5G will continue to gain hold across the country, other trends like targeted marketing, software unification, and cybersecurity can have a direct influence on small businesses. Here’s a list of technologies that can impact your business this year.
1) AI
For years, artificial intelligence and machine learning have been hot subjects in the computer world. In 2021, as these technologies become more widely adopted, small business owners will continue to incorporate them into new and current procedures. From voice assistants to individualized consumer experiences, this might mean a wide range of implementation options.
Although artificial intelligence may appear to be a technology that only major corporations utilize, small businesses will adopt it. By maximizing their time and automating tedious processes, AI will help small businesses provide more tailored experiences to their customers.
Using AI-enabled digital solutions can help organizations save time. Also, AI can help tools such as CNAM systems be more accurate.
2) 5G
In 2019, 5G technology – the fifth generation of cellular capacity – was launched, offering much higher data transfer speeds than the more widely used 4G. 5G offers higher speeds than 4G LTE, with little or no latency.
This breakthrough is significant for the internet of things, as 5G networks are better equipped to handle the inflow of interconnected smart gadgets. While there is a lot of excitement about 5G, it is still in its early phases.
3) SHOPPING ASSISTED BY TECH
Major retailers have leveraged mobile technology, internet buying, and mobile scheduling to create a frictionless shopping experience in reaction to lockdowns and other pandemic-related interruptions.
This high-tech approach to keeping consumers secure has gone beyond curbside pickup, which has evolved into a natural extension of current technology like mobile payments and terminals.
These tech-based alternatives will continue to be used in 2021 and beyond. People are becoming so accustomed to this type of service that it wouldn’t be unexpected if it became the new standard.
Many shops are revamping their in-store experiences to match our current – and most likely future – realities. Even Walmart is renovating 200 of its stores to make them feel more like airports, emphasizing ease and cashless purchases.
4) REMOTE ONBOARDING
People will seek remote work in greater numbers as metropolitan populations continue to decline. As more firms embrace this new paradigm and the potential savings it offers, they will be forced to rely on technology to handle remote onboarding.
Onboarding is an important element of onboarding new workers and familiarizing them with their roles and the company culture. Companies will employ software to connect people if they cannot do so in person due to the pandemic or their geographic location.
Technology that makes sure each step of the onboarding experience is professionally planned and orchestrated will help ensure new team members feel welcome, according to a study that found that a bad onboarding experience drives nearly two-thirds of workers to seek new employment.
5) CYBERSECURITY
According to BullGuard research, approximately 60% of small firms believe they are unlikely to be targeted in a cyberattack. Many small firms, however, have been impacted by cyberattacks and data breaches; therefore, 2021 should be the year in which small business owners begin to fight back.
Small and medium businesses may want to begin approaching security through the prism of enterprise businesses. These businesses, like large enterprises, will clamp down on a complete backup-and-disaster-recovery solution to stay secure, as well as establish new standardized blocking and tackling game plans to make the organization even safer.
The future of technology in business is bright. As companies improve their technology, services can be easier to find, and firms should see an increase in profits.
