Gartner’s Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2020 explains that we are on the cusp of a technological revolution that will drastically change everything about how we live, work and play. Painting a picture of our human capabilities augmented through technology, and the ubiquitous presence of technology in every facet of life, this report describes big changes that we’ve only tasted.
We are at a tipping point, where entire industries are being reinvented with emerging technologies, forcing players to adapt or die. But businesses are, in some cases, running toward a future that they don’t completely understand. No one does. It’s exciting but a little nerve-racking.
After witnessing decades of advancements and successful technology deployments, Telaid has some recommendations for your business as you undergo a massive digital transformation.
Consider Your Customer’s Perspective
We find that the most successful deployments are those that have considered the value from the customer’s perspective. This is important because it ensures that the deployment takes place in a way that yields maximum benefit to the customer, returning revenue, brand equity, and loyalty – the things that keep businesses alive and thriving. Does the latest blockchain initiative enable your brand to enact recalls faster, saving customers from illness and earning their trust? Does the interactive technology deliver more valuable, personalized content to the user to ensure they have a great shopping experience? Does the use of AI ensure that customers receive their goods or services more accurately or with fewer delays? Start with the customer and work your way backwards when it comes to planning new technology deployments.
Put Security at the Top of the List
Ironically, technology both creates and solves ever-growing security issues including data breaches, hacking and service disruptions. With every device and point of connection, security becomes an issue. Prior to deploying technologies, consider security first. Outline the risks, pinpoint “easy,” “moderate” and “stretch” tactics your organization can take to secure networks, data and devices. Then prioritize and put measures in place prior to rollout. Don’t take risks where you don’t have to.
Perfect the Pilot
Complicated technologies have big implications for changing processes and how people work. Whether it’s the tactical challenge like not having the right tool on site to complete installation, or failing to understand how the transition impacts someone’s day-to-day job, it’s impossible to accurately anticipate every implication that major changes in technology will have. For these reasons, we HIGHLY encourage piloting. This gives you an opportunity to identify challenges early, proposing solutions and minimizing pitfalls prior to large-scale rollout.
Don’t Delay
While it’s easier to follow a “me-too” strategy and benefit from the lessons learned by competitors as they deploy emerging technologies, in today’s fast-paced world, waiting could mean failing. There is no single “right way” to apply these advanced technologies, and if you build a careful business case, even if it’s completely unprecedented, it may mean you just created a new standard in your industry. Don’t be afraid to go first. It could just be a game-changer for your business.
To read the complete list of trends and consider how computing will change our lives and your business, read here.
