Modern Tech Affect Businesses

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By Audacy

Small business owners have to be able to adapt to change, especially when it comes to new technology that can help a company grow and succeed. Here are just some of the ways that technology may affect small businesses in the near future.

 

Augmented reality may become a part of every day business

Augmented reality takes tech devices — think tablets, smartphones and headsets — and uses them to amplify our surroundings by adding “computer-generated sensory input like sounds, videos, or graphics to add to the experience,” as Inc.com explains. A good example of augmented reality that many are already familiar with is the location-based game Pokemon Go. With big name companies like Apple and Google investing billions in augmented reality software and hardware, small business owners can expect this new technology to be implemented in everything in the near future from advertising to employee training.

 

Quantum computing will help predict the future

Quantum computers are like traditional computers on steroids, as they are faster and more powerful than what we’re used to now. These “supercomputers” are built on the principle of quantum mechanics, and have the ability to develop predictive models that small businesses can benefit from. Quantum computers “may enable ultra-efficient logistics and supply chains, such as optimizing fleet operations for deliveries during the holiday season,” according to IBM. “They may help us find new ways to model financial data and isolate key global risk factors to make better investments.”

 

Automation will make your life easier

Automation is becoming increasingly popular in businesses, particularly in warehouses where it is employed mostly for sorting and shipping. The real attraction is that when small business owners can automate parts of their companies, it frees up time to work on other things, such as product development and marketing. Small business owners can start by automating simpler tasks like monitoring social media comments, deploying email marketing campaigns and tracking expenses.  

 

Your future assistant may be a robot

In television and movies set in the future, robot assistants are ubiquitous. While you may never have your own version of Rosie the Robot from “The Jetsons,” you could have a robot assistant of your very own in the near future. Many homes and businesses are already equipped with smart speakers like the Amazon Echo and Google Home, but soon we’ll see this technology get even smarter. These high-tech assistants will be equipped with advanced AI to aid small business owners with everything from scheduling appointments to keeping their networks secure from cyber attacks.

 

This article was written by Gary Schwind for Small Business Pulse