We live in an exciting world, where innovation brings new ways for your moving business to develop and achieve greatness. However, in order to accomplish such a task, you as a business owner have to make the effort to explore new small business tech trends and software for movers. Otherwise, you risk remaining where you are or getting left behind your competition. It’s just how the corporate game works – you either evolve into something more or you get extinct.
Small business tech trends are entering the new age where things behave like people
As the influence of technology grows and the impact it has on businesses blooms, you have no choice but to get with the program. What this means is that you need to evolve along with the software trends and investments. This is the only way to take advantage of the opportunities the market and moving industry offers. Popular research implies that small business tech trends are one of the three most influential external factors when it comes to small to medium company goals. The other two factors are:
- Hiring the right people for the job
- Seizing control of operational costs and keeping them at a minimum
And if you truly want to ensure the development of your moving company, you need to respond and adapt to the small business tech trends and the changes they carry.
Which are the technological trends small companies should focus on?
As long as you are aware of the current tech influencers on the market, you should be able to stay ahead of the curve. As a result of maintaining and upgrading your software, you will open the doors for new leads and a higher conversion rate. So, here are the 5 top tech trends small businesses need to explore and adapt to:
- The use of computers is changing with the introduction of conversational user interfaces.
- Apps are slowly converting into smart apps with the advancement of AI and machine learning.
- Small business sectors are welcoming the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Everyone is turning into sensors with the introduction of wearable computing.
- The influence of 3D printing is changing more than just the manufacturing industry.
Although these trends haven’t reached their peak, they are growing more and more by the day. This means that they will significantly impact small businesses like yours in the upcoming three to five years. Bear in mind that each of these trends is powerful by itself. However, when you combine them – they introduce a fundamental shift in the user experience and company operations.
Trend #1: The use of computers is changing with the introduction of conversational user interfaces
This one is pretty much self-explanatory. People have started to run and instruct computers with the use of their voice or text. Hence, smart devices can now interpret your commands and complete tasks for you. The example of this is most easily demonstrated through the use of Apple’s Siri interface.
So as far as small business tech trends are concerned, conversational user interfaces are definitely worth considering for future processes. When you factor in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into the equation, you get a clear prediction of what the future holds. So, instead of people using technology to accomplish certain tasks, you now have people guiding technology to get tasks done for them. It might sound minor but it is in fact very much different. As a result, many tech companies are moving to a “voice-first” development philosophy for their customer-facing technologies.
Trend #2: Apps are slowly converting into smart apps with the advancement of AI and machine learning
At the moment, AI is still used to tackle small and limited tasks. However, the growing practice of using these devices is opening the way toward the exponential development of intelligent devices and applications, such as:
- Google Now
- Amazon’s Alexa
- Microsoft’s Cortana
- Apple’s Siri etc.
Whether it’s physical devices such as robots or drones, or apps and services like virtual personal assistants (VPAs) and chatbots, AI tech is rapidly expanding. So much so that IT vendors are searching for the best ways to gain an edge over each other through investments in AI. With this in mind, AI is well on its way to evolving from the company of small business tech trends to a game-changer.
Trend #3: Small business sectors are welcoming the Internet of Things (IoT)
What if we could live in a world where inanimate objects could communicate with us and amongst each other? Well, the IoT is making that possible and very powerful for both users and businesses. Add to that a little AI and what you get is a room full of interconnected “smart things”. And since they can interact with both people and other devices, they are all the more influential.
The only disadvantage with IoT thus far has been the high costs of adaptation and the complexity of it all coming together. And so, adoption of this trend has been slow so far as a direct result. However, with the decline of sensor prices and the development of new tech, this is slowly changing. Modern predictions indicate that in the upcoming three years, IoT expenses will drop by as much as 50%. This represents significant opportunities for small businesses. In fact, many expect that smaller businesses will dominate IoT adoption and its benefits over five years.
Trend #4: Everyone is turning into sensors with the introduction of wearable computing
This is what you might call a sub-aspect of the IoT area. And the examples are found in something you can wear to measure certain activities or experiences. Wearable things today have wide usage and can monitor anything from your health and position to your surroundings – all to boost your experience.
The thing with wearable computing is that it instantly turns people into mobile sensors that you can monitor and use to your advantage. The most common examples of this type of tech can be spotted in athletic competitions and healthcare. But the potential of application is slowly expanding into much more.
Trend #5: The influence of 3D printing is changing more than just the manufacturing industry
Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is the process of building something with continuous addition of material in small amounts. This breaks the traditional subtractive processes of manufacturing, where you remove material to create something. Creating layer upon layer, until the 3D software model becomes a physical product – this is the very core of additive manufacturing.
The reason why 3D printing is considered an expanding small business tech trend is the fact that it is transforming production for all industries. You are able to create objects without the waste of concrete building materials and with very low expenses. As a result, additive manufacturing is finding use today in creating items such as metals, plastics, ceramics, and food ingredients. You can even print organs and ears with human cells.
Consider all this and a small business tech trends ‘response strategy’
The trends noted here are not in the making – they are already here and are definitely not going away. Therefore, it would be a huge mistake for any business to ignore them and the potential impact they carry. The sooner you start preparing and adapting, the more likely it is that you will gain your competitive advantage. Responding in 2-3 years can help you stay ahead. Doing so in 5-7 years is the deadline before you are completely left behind.
So, consider what you have read here and incorporate it into your strategic planning and future investments. Remember, successful entrepreneurs are also innovators and should always keep both eyes open for a chance to act on smart investments.
