Tech Trends Are Changing Work in 2016

2016 has been as eventful as any of the previous decade’s years in terms for emerging tech trends, maybe even more so.

There have been a number of changes coming about in the way we work thanks to new tech and we’re going to take a look at them below.

1. A Person Can Work from Anywhere, At Any Time, On Any Device

Work is no longer a static location. Work is what you do. Millennials have embraced this concept. According to Kenan-Flagler Business School research, one in three Millennials, prioritize work mobility, device flexibility, and social media freedom, over salary when considering a job offer. This flexibility allows an employee to work from various places, including coffee shops, airplanes, hotels, airports, or at home. They can use multiple devices from their iPhone to their laptop. This type of flexibility is offered by more employers because they found it does not affect employee productivity.

2. Video Content Management

Many businesses have used video to train employees and for marketing purposes. Videos are even beginning to be integrated into many business communication systems. Video can also be used in the workplace for applications such as remote diagnostic assistance or to provide access to how-to video feeds for service. With an increase in the number of files and file sizes, there will be a need for a way to optimize streaming based on the device, analyze usage data and search for specific content. A Video Control Management System (VCMS) is capable of providing these services. A VCMS is similar to a document management system.

3. Automation and Smart Machines

The introduction of automation and machines into business tasks are one of the most disruptive changes changing place. In manufacturing, robotics has been used for decades. Machines are able to be programmed to execute dangerous or repetitive tasks, which protects human workers from injury.

Smart machines are nothing like the manufacturing robots. A smart machine can interact verbally with a person. These are not voice activated menu based machines. These machines can learn and adapt. They can change based on the situation, detect changes in a person’s emotional state and determine the next step or level based on these interactions. IPsoft’s Amelia is built on cognitive agent capabilities. It can interact with humans in applications such as a call center or service support desk. There are many ways this technology can affect the workforce.

5. Mobile Cloud Computing

Mobile Cloud Computer (MCC) can provide real-time access to resources from any device, in any location. In order to do this, data storage, complexity, and computing are removed from the device. These functions are handled by the cloud provider. According to a KPMG survey, the top 3 value drivers from an enabled mobile cloud workforce is higher employment satisfaction, increased productivity and improved field service operations. This technology will become the dominant architecture for mobile productivity enhancement and other mobile initiatives.

Needless to say, security considerations are some things that needs to be taken into account, however there are ways around this.

Mobile cloud computing is here to stay and is growing dramatically in 2016.

6. Wearable Devices Will Be the Next BYO Endpoint

Wearable devices, such as watches and wrist wear, have been quickly adopted by the consumer market, but not for business, due the limitations of its functionality. However, many features and integrations are being added to these systems. There is a great demand for integration. According to 2015 research, IDC projected a five-year compound annual growth rate for wearables at 45.1 percent. Some current integration work includes communication, Quick Response (QR) code, scheduling, timecards, payments and security access.

7. The Digital Enterprise

The digital enterprise does not seek to convert existing analog process to digital processes. It is a new way to operate a business. It is based on how a business’ products and services are delivered to its customers. Transforming an “analog” business to a digital business is the enabler for all of the technologies that will empower future workforces.