It’s time to look forward – Technology trends to watch post COVID-19.
Many businesses and organizations discovered using eBizDocs’ premier digital transformation solutions helped them survive the most challenging periods of the COVID pandemic. These and other technologies will continue to pay an increasingly important role in the future.
Customer recommendations to better prepare for the next disaster include:
“Embrace technology to support working remotely.” Alpin Haus, Andy Heck
“Put a document management system in place.” Hoffman Car Wash, Tracy Braun
“Adapt to the new way of working.” NYACP, Heather Bennett
Many businesses already possess much of the necessary technology to face the next disaster. However, in some cases its purchase was with a different goal. eBizDocs offers a document process analysis to assist businesses extend their goals and optimize the flow of information across the entire organization. Existing customers have and continue to discover new ways to apply already purchased technology, while new customers have an opportunity to optimize efficiency while becoming equally prepared for the next disaster.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many technologies became instrumental in keeping our society functional in a time of lockdowns and quarantines.
Here are 10 technology trends that can help build a resilient society that effects how we do business, how we trade, how we work, how we produce goods, how we learn, how we seek medical services and how we entertain ourselves.
- Virtual Shopping
In late 2002, the SARS outbreak led to a tremendous growth of both business-to-business and business-to-consumer online marketplace platforms.
Similarly, COVID-19 transformed online shopping from a nice-to-have to a must-have around the world.
- Digital and Contactless Payments
Cash might carry the virus, and many banks have implemented various measures to ensure banknotes are clean before they go into circulation. Now, contactless digital payments, either in the form of cards or e-wallets, are the recommended payment method to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Digital payments enable people to make online purchases and payments of goods, services and even utility payments, as well as to receive stimulus funds faster.
- Remote Work
Perhaps the area impacting most businesses is asking employees to work from home. Remote work is enabled by technologies including virtual private networks (VPNs), voice over internet protocols (VoIP’s), virtual meetings, document management and other cloud technologies, and work collaboration tools. In addition to preventing the spread of viruses, remote work also saves commute time and provides more flexibility. Watch this video to learn more about building a virtual/home office for remote workers.
- Distance Learning
Many educational institutions started offering courses online to ensure education was not disrupted by quarantine measures. Technologies involved in distant learning are similar to those for remote work and also include virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D printing and artificial-intelligence-enabled robot teachers.
- Telehealth
Telehealth can be an effective way to contain the spread of COVID-19 while still providing essential primary care. Wearable personal devices can track vital signs. Chatbots can make initial diagnoses based on symptoms identified by patients. Telehealth also requires a certain level of tech literacy to operate, as well as a good internet connection.
- Online Entertainment
Although quarantine measures reduced in-person interactions significantly, human creativity has brought the party online and streaming concerts gained traction around the world. There has also been a surge of online gaming traffic since the outbreak.
- Supply Chain 4.0
The COVID-19 pandemic created disruptions to the global supply chain. With distancing and quarantine orders, some factories completely shut down. While demand for food and personal protective equipment soar, some countries implemented different levels of export bans on those items. Heavy reliance on paper-based records, a lack of visibility on data and lack of diversity and flexibility have made existing supply chain system vulnerable to any pandemic.
- 3D Printing
3D printing technology can mitigate shocks to the supply chain and export bans on personal protective equipment. 3D printing offers flexibility in production: the same printer can produce different products based on different design files and materials, and simple parts can be made onsite quickly without requiring a lengthy procurement process and a long wait for the shipment to arrive.
- Robotics and Drones
COVID-19 makes the world realize how heavily we rely on human interactions to make things work. Labor intensive businesses, such as retail, food, manufacturing, and logistics are the worst hit.
COVID-19 provided a strong push to rollout the usage of robots and research on robotics. In recent weeks, robots and drones are being used to disinfect areas and to deliver food to those in quarantine.
- 5G and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
All the aforementioned technology trends rely on a stable, high-speed, and affordable internet. 5G already demonstrated its importance in remote monitoring and healthcare consultation. The adoption of 5G will increase the cost of compatible devices and the cost of data plans. Addressing these issues to ensure inclusive access to internet will continue to be a challenge as the 5G network expands globally.
The importance of digital readiness
COVID-19 demonstrates the importance of digital readiness, which allows business and life to continue as usual – as much as possible – during pandemics. Building the necessary infrastructure to support a digitized world and stay current in the latest technology will be essential for any business to remain competitive in a post-COVID-19 world.
Time to look forward. Contact eBizDocs and discover how a document process analysis will assist you optimize the flow of information across the entire organization and be prepared for the next disaster.
About eBizDocs
eBizDocs is a premier digital transformation provider focused on helping you put INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. Offerings include paper and microfilm conversion, content capture and document management solutions, scanner sales and service, and process consultation. eBizDocs is SOC2 Type II certified and serves private and public-sector organizations. The company has been in business for over 20 years and is a preferred source contractor for NYS entities. To learn how eBizDocs can help transform your operation, visit eBizDocs.com