There are many variables in the modern business environment, but one thing remains constant: owners and entrepreneurs in every industry leverage the power of sophisticated technology, which is a central part of the innovation game. Plus, adopting fresh tech strategies, products, systems, and apps is the savviest way to stay competitive in crowded niches. While there’s no shortage of tactics, today’s leaders prefer four tools: cloud computing, AI (artificial intelligence), ELDs (electronic logging devices), and remote collaboration apps. All four are transforming the workplace and giving hard-working managers new ways to boost efficiency, productivity, and profits. Here are the details.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing made a slow debut over the past decade. But in recent years, there’s been an explosion of widespread adoption of the highly efficient data management technique. What can it do? Not only can using the cloud help users access, store, and share various types of data, but it also allows for unrivaled scalability and flexibility. Companies don’t have to invest huge sums in IT infrastructure as they once did. That’s because workers who use the cloud can gear their usage based on immediate demand. The cloud has delivered on early promises of agile data handling and storage for small, medium, and large organizations. Even sole entrepreneurs can plug into sophisticated cloud-based apps without undue expense.
ELD’s for Transport Fleets
Organizations like the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association) in the US dispense dozens of strict rules for commercial and government fleet vehicles. One is a nationwide mandate that drivers replace their old-style paper logbooks with ELDs. Fortunately, those unfamiliar with the technology can turn to a comprehensive guide to gain a full understanding of how ELDs work for fleet managers and drivers. The units electronically track every move trucks make, which makes them ideal for monitoring multiple parameters related to things like mileage, fuel efficiency, time on the road, compliance with regulations, and more. It’s imperative for fleet managers to gain an in-depth understanding of the devices and what they can do, who uses them, and what they cost.
AI
In a short span of time, AI has become a major part of the worldwide business community. While there’s disagreement about the potential downsides of the technology, most company leaders have come to prefer AI’s known strengths. What can it do? The major selling point of AI is that it can process huge quantities of information at unbelievable speeds. Plus, it can gain relevant insights and ideas from the data it analyzes. Now, the popularity of the algorithms has led to a new kind of decision-making based on reams of data. AI devotees claim that the results are more accurate and give owners more insight into consumer preferences, marketing trends, and financial problems.
Remote Work Apps
After 2020, the popularity of remote work apps skyrocketed. Now, as workers all over the world are slowly drifting toward full-time home-based jobs, apps are becoming the de facto way for managers to deal with teams, individuals, and entire organizations. In addition to Asana, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom, dozens of other players have begun to join the rapidly expanding marketplace for telecommuting apps.
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
