Commercial real estate is being transformed by technology. Professionals are using innovative tools for efficiency, decision-making, and tenant satisfaction. Digital solutions are reshaping the industry and setting new benchmarks. This article explores the impact of these technologies on the fast-paced world of commercial real estate.
Read MoreTraversing across scenic landscapes and discovering the splendors of nature can be vastly enhanced by the right equipment. For the dedicated RV enthusiast, a 5th wheel hitch acts as more than just a tow mechanism—it's a bridge connecting the open road with the comforts of home. As RVing evolves, so do the innovations that make towing smoother, safer, and more reliable. This article delves into the technological advancements of 5th-wheel hitches, offering insights to help you travel with peace of mind.
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This year a number of emerging trends in technology have had an impact on how people do business. Cloud service and data management providers have been running the show, due to the increased threat to cybersecurity. Advances in production have been made with the introduction of artificial intelligence, and many fields have benefited from automated transactions. Let’s take a look at what different companies have been investing in, and what is currently in store for the future of business. Here are ten technology trends that have been developing in business so far in 2020.
Alternative Payment Methods
The shift has been mainly from credit or debit card transactions to other forms of online payments. This improves transaction speed, security, and efficiency. Innovations in technology allow payments and money transfers to be made remotely. Apps such as Square and Paypal have been making business owners’ lives easier for a while now.
Now that businesses tend to have a variety of accounts set up, Open Banking is another example of financial innovation. Advances in artificial intelligence and security mean that business owners can receive an overview of accounts from different banks at the same time. Here are the main types of alternative payment methods trending in 2020.
Account-Account Transactions
Account-account transactions are becoming more common. Tide is an example of a new app that enables users to make sales directly from a business account. The main purpose being a time-saving device, business accounts will also save companies money by cutting out the middleman. Of course, as with any new payment service, there are predictable security risks such as identity theft.
Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
Blockchain allows data to be stored across thousands of servers worldwide. It’s made up of a list of interlinked records. Blockchain has exploded with the arrival of cryptocurrencies.
Cryptocurrencies are popular because they’re quick and easy, not to mention a more secure way to pay online. Another positive is that they don’t need to be converted into any other currency, if you pay in bitcoin, for example, the payment is received in bitcoin. Blockchain could be great for your small business, as it allows you to store data more securely across multiple locations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already present in more fields than you might think. In manufacturing AI is used to allow learning robots to assist human workers, learning, and evolving as they go. AI also plays a part in customer service for many companies. The technology can interact with customers in place of a real human customer service rep, this way it can save you time finding solutions to problems and addressing complaints. Five9, in partnership with Google Cloud, is an example of how AI technology is integrated with customer service.
Autonomous Driving
Self-driving cars are being developed, so this could be a trend you’ll see being implemented into many businesses. Tesla has released semi-autonomous cars that rely on the Autopilot system. The latest models offer some automated features already and come with the promise that later it will be possible to upgrade them to full self-driving capabilities in the future. The software itself is set up so that it can be programmed to be updated when the technology is released on the market.
Ford is planning a range of driverless cars for 2021. They plan to employ radar technology, 3D mapping, and camera sensors to produce a car with no need for human intervention. The technology at the moment is based on surround cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and an enhanced processing radar, that boasts that it can detect data even through harsher weather conditions. The technology, therefore, is stated to work better than human senses.
Cybersecurity
The COVID-19 crisis has brought about new IT challenges. The main reason for this is that organizations have needed to adapt quickly to operational and functional challenges. Current security protocols have had to be overlooked, and many may not apply to new systems and tools that have hastily been put in place. This level of uncertainty can be exploited by cyberattackers.
There are plenty of other reasons why security might be at risk. It could be due to accessibility settings, or older software. Without adequate software, your PCs will not be compatible with the latest security updates. Hardware also needs to be regularly updated, as any failure could also increase the risk. If you need anything repaired it’s a good idea to sort it out immediately for the sake of security. Search online for computer and printer repair near me.
Many businesses are now using managed service providers and cloud hosting to secure their data. If your server has reached capacity or you don’t have the technology to securely maintain the data, it’s possible to outsource this to another host. This is known as colocation hosting and several companies offer this service. Check out the best colocation providers at the moment. This will keep your data secure at a remote location.
Data Turnaround
Even though people are suddenly very aware of the importance of data security and privacy, it’s becoming a trend to allow third parties access to your data to help your business. With advances in fintech particularly it’s actually becoming a trend to make your data more disposable and accessible. It’s been predicted that businesses will use secure technology to make their data available to third parties to complete services or transactions. In the financial sector, the pressure is being applied to allow data to be shared with other providers, for example with Open Banking. The increase in data security enables this.
You also have to think about the data security and privacy issues of your consumers. This is why it’s vital to make sure your website is asking for the appropriate consent around cookies, and why you might want to run a cookie checker to check that you are actually doing this. If you can do that right, you might find that you are going to have a much better chance of managing data properly.
Edge Computing
The “edge” refers to the edge of your network where data is collated, rather than in a centralized data-processing warehouse. This means that large amounts of data are processed near the source where it’s generated. This reduces cost with high internet bandwidth usage and allows applications to respond in record time, even remotely. Because of its close proximity edge computing allows sensitive information to be filtered and is a much cheaper option. Read more about how edge computing has entered the mainstream.
Facial Recognition Technology
According to a 2018 study, 62% of businesses were already using some sort of biometrics as a security measure. Fingerprint and iris scanners along with voice and facial recognition is becoming more common in a variety of fields and devices.
Face scanners are being used to allow admission to the Tokyo Olympics 2021 for example. So far the general public has been very accepting of facial recognition technology. Seen as it has been so well received, it’s likely to keep trending in a number of areas. This once futuristic seeming security measure has brought peace of mind and trust to a lot of people.
Natural Language Generation (NLG)
Many citizens have happily brought this into their homes with the likes of Alexa and Amazon Echo. The technology is advancing beyond just being a talking radio, and it’s humanizing effect on data means it can now provide insights into everyday life, not to mention business. The NLG devices can be used to display data and information in real-time and by voice activation control.
There has been a lot of development in the virtual voice experience technology. It’s now being implemented in customer service and online chats. With the combination of AI technology, the software can almost replace human customer service agents. Many consumers still prefer to speak with a real person however, so it might take some time to gain trust and popularity.
3D Printing
This is just an example of the advances in design and production technology that has really taken off. 3D printing is not just experimental anymore and used only for prototypes. In fact, it has moved on to high volume production. If your business is looking to invest in this groundbreaking technology you can integrate it into your factory line. Your investment will be compensated fully by increased production speed, efficiency, and accuracy.
The Introduction of 5G
This has been a controversial topic already without a lot of polemic and misunderstanding around 5G technology. Currently, 5G is present in a number of mobile phone networks across the globe. It provides increased speed and high-quality video streaming. It’s possibly the future of connectivity in business because this is the way many companies are going. Virtual conferencing has become the norm, with only technological issues such as a poor connection getting in the way. It also gives businesses the opportunity to save on overheads as employees can all work remotely.
The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on business has made the world see how much we rely on advances in technology. The way in which businesses have had to adapt quickly to the WFH transition has been pretty much successful due to digital resources. Without cloud backup and remote communication devices, it would have been more challenging for everyone to work from home. Changes have certainly been made on how people do daily tasks and this will only lead to interesting developments for the future of business.
Whether you’re running an online business or have launched a brick-and-mortar startup, any entrepreneur can benefit from utilizing technology to enhance every facet of their business. But, using tech can often seem expensive. As a startup, you don’t have the budget to pay for multiple subscriptions or services. If this sounds familiar, remember you need to spend money to make money, and utilizing tech can bring significant benefits.
Read MoreAs your business begins or grows into itself over time, it’s always important to consider which systems need to be updated, and the strict benefit of doing that. So for instance, many creative studios will update to the new Adobe package each year so they can use the renewed model of Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Acrobat, and many other programs.
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The world is always changing, and people use technology to evolve constantly. There are many benefits of using adaptive technologies in addition to regular devices. Some trends in adaptive technology that will continue to grow in the coming years are listed below.
Virtual reality (VR) has been seen as a future tool. It is quickly making its way into our daily lives. VR technology offers users the ability to explore and understand a place without ever leaving their living room. VR is already being used for training pilots, medical students, military personnel, and more. While VR technologies are still in development for most disabilities, some companies have begun designing products specifically for people with disabilities. For example, some VR technologies allow people to use their eyes instead of their hands to interact with pet therapy or support animals such as dogs and horses.
Wearable devices include all types of adaptive technology that people can wear or attach to their bodies. People with disabilities are already using wearable devices. For example, some can be configured as smart homes for people who need specialized equipment to live independently. Some wearable technology is also made specifically for people with disabilities. Prosthetic limbs, for instance, can be controlled using a smartphone, neck support for people who have trouble moving their head, and a glove to help people with quadriplegia control an electronic wheelchair with only their fingers.
Technology is often seen as a barrier to people with disabilities. Employers need to undertake accessibility testing. The testing makes your web and apps usable and ensures digital inclusion for all. Websites require companies to provide technology accessible to employees with disabilities. However, many are unaware of how they can do this. Some are even under the false impression that it will interfere with their business operations. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the more advanced technology that learns from patterns. It also recognizes things about its environment.
The number one thing that adaptive technology does for people with disabilities gives them power and control over their own lives. Adaptive technology is critical in helping individuals overcome mobility issues. It gives people restored independence to complete daily tasks.
When it comes to designing, it looks like a coaching job where everyone else is a coach and would want to give you pieces of advice. Well, for your next project, Mini Tec Aluminum Framing advises that you consider using aluminum extrusion to improve your design functionality and cut the company's manufacturing costs. Here are the benefits you will enjoy when you use these aluminum products.
Steel is usually heavy, but about a third of the steel density, aluminum is the best choice for any motion-related presentation. Less weight in these metal frames means less inertia. Therefore, it means they save a lot of energy and are higher in speed. Further, the benefit you can get from extruded sections is that when materials are put where needed, they will reduce the weight even further.
Just like iron, aluminum metals love oxygen, but they have a big difference. Usually, iron rises rust and flakes away while aluminum oxide, on the other hand, will form a protective film on top of its surface. This is a crucial factor to consider because you can save when it comes to expenses that you could have to incur coating processes and reduce the maintenance cost.
Aluminum frames have a higher strength-to-weight ratio in comparison to other types of metal frames. For instance, 6061-T6 grade aluminum is usually four times stronger than 304 stainless steel. Its extrusion maximizes stiffness and, at the same time, minimizes weight. This makes it a good choice to use for load-bearing functions like aircraft.
When your work involves doing so much welding, to be a good welder, it takes skill and experience, plus you will always have to do fixtures here and there and maybe be forced to sacrifice some metal pieces for practice. On the contrary, you can use a single piece of the aluminum frame to separate several pieces that might have been welded together. You can be smart and design sections that interlock each other using these metal frames for easy assembly.
Another benefit of using extruded aluminum is that it can be painted, polished, plated, and even be textured. Also, don't forget anodizing. This gives designers a wider pallet of finishes to select from, which is not possible for other types of metals.
Have you ever been drawn into a can collection drive? If you never have, it is important to know a readily available market for scrap aluminum. When your aluminum products reach the end of their life cycle, you will not have disposal headaches. In fact, your metals will have some value. Additionally, do not overlook the option of disassembling the products you will make from extruded sections and putting the pieces to work inversely in other sections.
When designers consider using aluminum, they usually restrict themselves to the available shapes in catalogs of standard products. This can be a missed chance for design optimization. It is important to know that tooling for custom extrusion is amazingly inexpensive.
Supposing you are planning to start using robotic automation systems for the first time for your business operation, you need to plan and prepare your business for the many operations changes that will take place once the robots are fully installed on your factory floor. Without proper plans in place to influence these industrial robots' full benefits, the productivity benefits that you will enjoy with this system’s adoption will be limited.
Once you have prepared well to integrate robots, it can help restructure the integration process itself. To enjoy the full benefits of industrial robots, a few things you need to do to prepare. Here are the fundamental things you can use to maximize the impact of the robotics systems.
When you are preparing to introduce new automation technology, you need to have new skill types on your shop floor. You can hire these expatriates or train some of your existing employees to handle these new roles that are about to be implemented. The manual welder could be a great robot operator to be used for robotic welding systems. You will have to organize training on an ongoing basis to handle robotic productivity and keep it at its peak. As a manufacturer, you need to plan and understand that you have to carry out the required training that will ensure that you will get the most productivity out of the acquired robotic systems over their entire lifespan.
Suppose you are planning to start using the robotic system for the first time for your operation. In that case, you need to know that these investment projects you made for acquiring these systems will not transform your entire production activities at once. The return on investment (ROI) that you will be making on a particular type of automation system can justify the continued investment that you will carry out on other types of automation. This will allow you to automate the production process piece by piece without investing heavily in new equipment.
Before you go to the supplier and buy the new robot to use for your operations, it is critically important that you understand how these new systems will affect your current existing processes. These robotic systems can significantly upgrade your throughput. Supposing the upstream processes will not be able to deliver faster and match up with the throughput of robots, the result will be the same. Therefore, it is crucial that you know exactly how the robotic systems will enable or be limited by current systems.
If it is your first time using robotic systems, you need to do several things before you consider installing the automated systems. Once you prepare well to enjoy the benefits of using these systems, you can unlock the full productivity of your operations. Contact a robotic expert about your intended automation project for more advice and recommendations about the best robotic technology package.
It can be a nightmare if you have mistakenly spilled water onto your MacBook. However, you should avoid panicking. All you have to do is to act fast so that you can fix the issue before it spreads and renders your laptop useless.
The guide below will help you know more information about MacBook water damage to decide if you wish to try a DIY repair. If the DIY approach is not for you, there are specialists in MacBook repairs who you can hire to help.
After MacBook water damage has happened, water will likely get into the logic board and the surrounding components. The salts and minerals found in water will immediately react with the fiberglass, silicone, and metal components. In most cases, your MacBook will continue to function for a few days, and it will stop suddenly. Such a case happens due to slow corrosions of metals and oxidization. Even if the laptop was off and the power source is available, power will still flow to the computer.
As a consequence, electric current will come into contact with water and hasten the corrosion process. Therefore, you should learn how to fix the issue by searching online for helpful repair guides.
As soon as your MacBook wets, it would be best if you powered it off. However, if it was off while water spilled, you should not attempt to power it on. If you power your laptop on, you can make the water short out the electrical components and damage it permanently. Also, remember to remove its charger if you had connected it.
It would be a good idea to remove the battery if you can manage. It is also critical that you disconnect all peripherals attached to the laptop, including the wired mouse, scanner, camera, and printer.
You can flip your laptop into a tent position so that you can prevent water from spreading deep inside the core components.
In case your MacBook is visibly wet, you can wipe its exterior surface using a dry, clean piece of cloth. If the ports are wet, you can attempt drying them using a non-conductive tool such as a wooden toothpick or cotton bud.
Although it might be stressful, you need to leave your MacBook in a tent position for at least two days to minimize the effects of potential water damage. To assist in the drying process, you can place your laptop in a warm area, such as near a heat source like a radiator or fan.
After your laptop has dried, you can attempt to power it on to see if it works. In case your Mac powers up, you can test all its major components, including keys, trackpad, Bluetooth, and Internet connectivity.
If you successfully recover your MacBook, you should clean it thoroughly. For instance, if you spilled a beverage such as soda, it can become sticky with time. Fortunately, you can use a dry, clean microfiber piece of cloth to clean your Mac's exterior casing.
Even if your laptop functions normally after water spills, you need to visit your local MacBook specialist. The specialist will assess any MacBook water damage that occurred to your laptop. The best repair specialist will use powerful solvents or cleaning equipment to clean your laptop thoroughly.
Spilling water on your laptop is a precarious accident. Even though you might manage to recover your MacBook, you will wish to ensure that you do not experience it again. The best way you can protect your laptop from water damage is by buying a waterproof laptop cover with ventilation holes, a waterproof screen protector, and a clear plastic cover. You should also keep your drinks away from the surface where you are using your MacBook or invest in a laptop stand. To get the best stand, you can look online for retailers that make MacBook accessories.
With the above guide, you can quickly fix a MacBook water damage to avoid more damages that can be costly.
If you have recently launched a new business, the chances are that you are more concerned about funding and finances than cybersecurity. In the Covid-19 world, the economic climate has turned on its head with unemployment becoming rife and businesses folding.
While you may be worried about your financial situation, you cannot neglect the importance of your cybersecurity. The pandemic has allowed many cybercriminals to hack into vulnerable systems and take advantage of a chaotic situation. To combat this, your cybersecurity measures need to be maintained to enable your assets to remain safe. Read on to find out how to keep your small business secure.
Integration Software
When you are looking to streamline your business, you will inevitably welcome more tech into your company. New software can result in a vulnerability in your systems and processes. However, if you head to virtusflow.com, you can employ a full digital automation process that has cybersecurity at its heart through strong governance features. When you are installing apps or document integration tools, you need to know that they are impregnable. Always opt for a reputable supplier of software with exceptional aftercare and support should any security flaws need patching.
Training
It’s vital that you are able to give some refresher training to your staff every year. Your staff can quickly become complacent when it comes to cybersecurity. Everyone knows that they aren’t meant to be opening those dodgy looking email attachments, and yet this remains the number one way adware or malware infects your systems. Encourage your staff to change their passwords every three months and to utilize random alphanumeric combinations. Passwords need to be hard to break and hack. You also need to make sure that your staff is signed up for cybersecurity policy. With the onus on them to keep your business assets secure, they will be more inclined to actively think about their behavior across the network and online.
If in doubt about your cybersecurity, outsource your IT requirements to a third party. They will ensure that your data remains secure. They'll also complete regular backups of your systems to minimize the risk to business integrity should a data breach occur.
Working From Home
With the Covid-19 crisis, working from home has become the norm as explored at forbes.com. This has made company assets more vulnerable. You don’t know how to secure home WiFi systems are, so you are placing trust in your staff team to be responsible and use common sense. Ensure that the most sensitive documents are accessible by only those people who really need to see them. The more permissions you grant, the more likely it is that a security breach will occur. There is no reason to distrust your staff team, but you can encourage more responsible online behaviour.
Your business needs to be secure and have backed up data, so should a breach occur you can carry on trading. Give your cybersecurity measures the attention they deserve to ensure that your business can thrive in a post-pandemic world.
Most people rely on many technological devices in their day-to-day life. For the average person, computers, cell phones, and many other devices are a daily staple for work or pleasure. Although technology has embedded itself into everyday life, few people understand the inner workings of their devices — how the phones they need and the computers they use to operate. Silicon is the fundamental component of smartphones and computers
Silicon is the second most prominent chemical element on the earth and the secret force driving our devices. The element is a powerful semiconductor that is used in almost every electrical device you can think of. Part of what makes silicon an excellent element for semiconductors is its lack of impurities and micro-particles—it is an extremely clean and easy to use element. Modern semiconductors need impeccably pure substrates to do their job. Silicon wafers are the name designated to the engineered silicon component that goes into our devices.
Silicon is a highly used semiconductor due to its malleability and mobility at both high and low temperatures. Additionally, the element performs very well at room temperature. Other chemical conductors are utilized in specific products and applications, but silicon is the universal semiconductor in tech products. Its ability to quickly pass electrical currents through conductors makes it the top choice for manufacturers.
Silicon wafers are used as semiconductors in the production of chips and microchips in most of the commonly used electronic devices. These highly conductible components are used in creating integrated circuits, which control the way electrical currents move through your devices. The integrated circuit is the command center for most modern technologies sending currents in different directions when they are needed.
Engineers refer to each individual silicon wafer as a die. Manufacturers and engineers use the process of silicon wafer dicing to alter the chemical composition of silicon to have different properties. After an individual silicon wafer has been created, they will be diced to create integrated circuits. The dicing process could involve sawing, laser cutting, and scribing. After dicing, the individual silicon chips are put into carriers that are then used in the creation and manufacturing of electronic devices.
It is often easy to overlook the processes that power the contemporary world. Huge technological innovations have made our devices smaller and sleeker. Silicon is the fundamental element powering the world's modern devices.
In today’s technology-driven environment, information systems are an important piece of business infrastructure. At the core of this is a company’s ERP architecture. These systems often provide critical services to a business operation such as procurement and demand planning, customer order processing, and data information storage. Having a cutting-edge ERP system can allow an enterprise to be more nimble in the modern marketplace.
It is for this reason that SAP introduced its newest S/4HANA suite in 2015. This is the next generation of enterprise software, and the package provides several advantages over its predecessor. But how does one go about incorporating this new infrastructure into a corporation? That can depend heavily on the current state and what system is being transitioned from. One avenue may be an upgrade from a previous generation of SAP software. Another scenario may be a move from a functionally different ERP system. Whatever initiative a company is undertaking, having a knowledgeable resource can help make the sap s 4hana migration go more smoothly.
There have already been multiple proven benefits discussed when it comes to upgrading to the S/4HANA suite. One key feature is that the software is built to run as an integrated package that runs solely on the SAP HANA database. This differs from previous versions that could operate on other third-party backbones. Another integral attribute is the offering of a cloud edition. Adopting this type of platform can allow a company greater flexibility and may cut down on the initial costs due to the need for less hardware. There are several other rollout benefits as well:
Clearer and more responsive user interface.
Increased performance throughout the suite.
Greater security options, especially on the cloud.
SAP will drop the support of previous versions in the year 2025.
Transitioning to the SAP S/4HANA infrastructure is not a quick and easy process for any company, regardless of where the migration scenario is coming from. There should be a well thought out plan and evaluation of how to get from the current structure to the HANA architecture. This should include an assessment of current capabilities and data storage, and what the desired future state aims to be.
The end result should be a working Proof of Concept (PoC), which will enable a company to evaluate the changes in a sandbox environment prior to full migration. Mapping out the steps to get to this point can be intensive, which is why pairing with an experienced partner familiar with SAP systems is essential.
By: Rosana Beechum
If you’re looking at starting up your own company, being in the know and having the right marketing strategies in place is crucial. To gain a customer base, you will need to think outside the box. While a website and blog can be a great way to connect with consumers, more and more businesses are taking the initiative of creating their own mobile app which can give you a clear and direct marketing channel. With that in mind, here are just a few reasons why every start-up company should have a mobile app.
Be Visible to Customers 24/7
As a business, it’s important that you’re there for your customers around the clock. While it’s impossible for you to oversee proceedings 24/7, having a mobile app allows your customers to connect with your brand no matter the time of day or night.
Create a Direct Marketing Channel
Apps serve many different functions. Not only can they provide general information, apps can include news feeds, user accounts, prices, and more. One of the main benefits of creating your own mobile app for your business is that you can provide customers with all the information they need within an instant. What’s more, selecting push notifications means that you can get a closer direct interaction with your followers, giving your customers reminders about what products and services you have available.
Rewards Your Customers
Instead of the old-fashioned route of collecting points on a card, why not make it easier for your customers by letting them receive rewards via your mobile app? It’s only natural that you will want to entice as many people as possible to download and use your app, so the more downloads you get, the more return customers you will receive.
Builds Brand Recognition
As a start-up company, getting your voice heard can be a challenge. If you’re trying to compete with many other businesses, it can be all too easy to get lost in the crowd. Creating your own mobile app can be hugely beneficial when it comes to building your brand awareness.
While it’s important to come up with an app that is equipped with all the features your customers love, you need to make sure it’s well branded and designed correctly, meaning that the general public can clearly identify who you are.
Improves Customer Engagement
Whether you’re selling flowers or operating a beauty business, it’s important that your customers can contact you. Having a help desk feature included in your app can make a big difference, enabling customers to get in touch with any general queries or concerns. Many customers prefer to communicate via text rather than phone, so having a space available for them to use on your app is crucial.
Creates Customer Loyalty
One of the most important reasons to create your own mobile app is cultivating customer loyalty. With so many newspaper ads, Facebook ads, website banners, and billboards all around us, it can be all too easy for consumers to ignore the advertising platforms that surround us. Making a connection with your customers is vital and will show that you value and appreciate their custom. Creating a mobile app with your customers in mind is important, especially if you want to hold onto your following.
The more people who use and love your app, the more 5-star ratings and reviews you will receive, helping to persuade others to get on board with your brand. However, as a business owner, it’s important to take all different thoughts and opinions into account. Knowing how to handle constructive criticism is a key trait that you should have. So, keep in mind that no matter how much hard work and dedication you put into your mobile app, there will always be some customers who aren’t satisfied with your product.
Building Your Mobile App
If you aren’t sure who to use to help create your mobile app, you may want to consider using companies like Appetiser. The company are known for its iPhone and Android app development, and by visiting the site, you can read up on what they do and the types of services they offer. You can receive a free consultation where you can share your ideas with the company, helping to turn your idea into a mobile app that can benefit your company.
No matter what sort of budget you have to play around with, you should seriously consider creating a mobile app that can be a great way to connect with your customers. With more and more people using smartphones, you can build a loyal and dedicated following within an instant, especially if your app is available to download on Apple and Android devices.
Standing out from the crowd and building brand recognition is key, so if you’re ready to get started, there are various companies that can help you create an exciting and engaging mobile app for your business.
This article contains affiliate links.
Image by Loya Liu from Pixabay
Today, there are many tech tools and software programs that you can buy or download to make your business more efficient and productive; software available to make your everyday work processes faster, more straightforward; and everyone will be able to accomplish more with less. However, with so many choice out there, it is difficult to know which ones are right for you and your business.
If you're not comfortable with technology, then the whole process can be overwhelming and cause you to worry about how you will utilize these platforms and train your employees on them. Many people often decide that it's more trouble than it's worth and stick to what they know, what's comfortable but essentially outdated ways of doing things which take far more time and effort.
There are certain technologies and systems that you and your employees will use in your personal lives; some companies have come up with business versions of your employees' favorite systems. Choosing these makes day-to-day work life easier for everyone because if your employees are comfortable and familiar with the systems they are using, then it will increase overall productivity and output.
If you don't provide your employees with tools that they feel comfortable with to help them do their jobs, then they will find other ways of doing things. This could mean they end up purchasing their own technology and while this does show initiative and commitment to the role, it can also lead to your team using a whole host of different solutions across which could hamper their ability to work together. It's important to look at incorporating the solutions that your employees, clients, and partners, either already use or can quickly learn to use, which makes collaborating that much easier.
Every business is different, and its needs are unique, so it's important to look at all the options, and which are the best user-friendly tech tools for you?
Enterprise Mobile Application
When employees want to use their own personal mobile devices for work and access applications and company data, this is where Enterprise Mobile Application comes in. It means that all your employees can have simplified access to the same applications as everyone else in the company, which enables consistency between devices but still allows employees to have the personalized mobile experience that they are used to which will increase efficiency in the workplace and reduce costs spent on company devices.
Trello
Trello is a well known, user-friendly, and free project management tool. It is very visual, easy to navigate and it simplifies tasks. So if you're not already using a project management tool, or you don't think you need one, it is worth giving it a go as it could really help you and make your working day far more efficient as it lets you create a system to manage your tasks and really is a time saver and a great way to organize and manage your work and your employees' work.
Buffer
Buffer is a social media management tool which allows you to manage multiple social media accounts at once. So, whatever industry you're in - whether it's marketing and comms and you're managing other people's social media or even if you're just managing your own for your business, then it's a handy tool to have.
Managing your own Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and Instagram profiles can be time-consuming and can get pushed to the bottom of the pile. However, a social media management tool can really help you; it enables you to schedule posts ahead of time, have access to useful insights to show you how your posts are performing. It can also free up time for you as you can post several posts out in one go.
There is a free version of Buffer, but it has its limitations, so it is worth trying it first and then upgrading and paying for more features if it works for you. Buffer's blog is also excellent and an excellent resource which can help you learn a lot about your social media strategy.
Slack
Slack is not only one of the largest and fastest-growing companies, but it is a great tech tool for internal communications within your company. Slack allows teams to create specific channels of conversations, video conferences, and you can also create alerts for particular objectives. A platform such as this can be advantageous with our ever flexible working lives as people can work from home and work at different times. Having somewhere where staff can coordinate online is useful and can be extremely productive for your company.
Expensify
Even though you want your expenses back, it can be a dreaded task each month to collect your receipts, make sure you have them all, and fill in those expenses forms. So, if you're not using Expensify, you should be. Expensify is a handy tool that keeps track of business expenses, receipts, reimbursements, and business purchases. It makes all of this more manageable for employees, managers, and the finance team too as it allows you to upload images of receipts and submit purchases for approval right from your phone.
Lion Desk
Customer relationship software, or CRM, is a big business as companies need tools that help them manage their contacts, know who has ordered what, and generate leads. Liondesk is a CRM provider that takes an explicitly sales-based approach and is aims to help real estate agents achieve more sales and generate more leads. The company's mission statement includes the phrase "close more sales," and the company claims that it is continually innovating and looking for new ways to free up employee time and make sensible predictions about which customers are ready for a new sale, and which aren't.
SalesForce
SalesForce is another popular sales tool and essential if you are working in sales. It is a Customer Relationship Management platform which you can set up and manage yourself. It also offers numerous cloud services, integrations with other programs and APIs, and they continue to acquire other companies that will enhance their software further. Salesforce, on the whole, enables you to organize better and to see the bigger picture of your sales funnels and pipeline and Sales teams can use Salesforce to do everything from managing their leads, tracking opportunities created, sales funnels, reports, sales conversations.
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