Technology Trends That Will Impact Businesses In South Carolina

Innovation, market development, and agility are significant digital revolutions fast-tracked by technological advancements. Besides, the COVID-19 pandemic changed how businesses operate, as it continued to enhance automation and digitization, enabling enterprises to become more resilient even in adversity. This has resulted in more and more businesses in the US and around the globe adopting disruptive technologies, as well as changing their business models to become productive.

With a surge in remote work, increased demand for telehealth, and booming eCommerce in the past year alone, the digital transition continues to impact different industries globally. But what exactly does the future hold regarding the latest technologies designed for businesses? Here are six technology trends that will impact businesses in South Carolina.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence and machine learning have been around for over a decade and still surface as the top emerging technology development today. With myriad benefits to businesses, especially startups, IT and machine learning help enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. Common AI business solutions include improved monitoring, better talent management, reduced human error, and enhanced efficiency.

And with advancements in technology, AI and machine learning continue to be technological trends, revolutionizing business operations. Besides, these technologies continue to be driving factors in most industries, where most businesses demand AI integration to better their operations. Although AI and machine learning are riddled with glitches, their enormous prospects and benefits make it a technology trend that will significantly impact businesses in 2021 and beyond.

5G Proliferation and Enhanced Connectivity

Since the launch of 3G in 2001, businesses began embracing advanced connectivity, but those offering data-driven services and online solutions found the connection slower. The emergence of 4G succeeded 3G in 2006, and this made connections much faster. The Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network was considered one of the fastest 4G connections, ideal for businesses dealing with online solutions. Despite 4G being faster than 3G, 5G incorporates advanced technologies, making it the latest high-speed mobile connectivity network.

5G networks use cutting-edge technology such as virtual and augmented reality to deliver faster connections. The network is highly advanced and that will see the diminishing of fiber-based and cable networks. As a high-speed and more advanced network, 5G and other high-speed networks facilitate various operations in today’s digital world. Businesses consider enhanced connectivity a key element in their IT infrastructure since it helps data transmission, communications, and other operations, both in-house or on the cloud.

Comprehensive HR Tech

In 2020, most industries shut down as a precautionary measure against the pandemic, which crippled startups, small businesses, and established organizations. To facilitate operations, most companies implemented remote work, where over 90% of employees worked from home. In 2021, organizations rely on a hybrid workforce to facilitate operations in a physical office. Comprehensive human resource software and tech enable businesses to keep track of their workforce, including their needs.

According to experts, comprehensive HR tech emerged as a superior technological feature that enabled businesses to maintain seamless operations during the pandemic. And with remote working becoming part of modern businesses, most companies are now embracing comprehensive HR tech to manage employees in a more deserving and friendlier manner. Besides, HR leaders find HR tech a perfect opportunity to create an engagement system and boost employee productivity.

Autonomous Driving

Waymo, Tesla, and Alphabet are some leading car manufacturers working towards designing impeccable autonomous vehicles. The first operational car was a steam-powered vehicle designed around 1672. Nearly a century later, a self-propelled mechanical vehicle emerged. The 1800s saw significant transformations in locomotives, but the 1900s led to the mass production of affordable cars, which began in 1901.

In the 21st century, people continue to drive modern fuel and propulsion vehicles, although the market is now filled with automated controls and a steering wheel. However, technological advancements have changed how people drive their vehicles. With existing vehicles already fitted with keyless starters, advanced sensors, and automatic brakes, autonomous driving is the next big thing in the industry.

Focus on Cybersecurity

Millions of businesses are under threat from digital attacks that include ransomware, malware, social engineering, phishing, SQL injection, and Man-in-the-middle (MITM). Q1 of 2020 had an increase of 17% in cyberattacks, with over 77% being targeted attacks. With 2020 being one of the years with a sharp increase in cyberattacks, 2021 and beyond will be the time for businesses to fight back and protect their systems against attacks. For instance, Kaseya, a software company, fell into the hands of attackers, and the company had its systems compromised and services suspended for some time.

Like millions of security issues in the past year, most businesses are expected to prioritize the safety of their IT infrastructure. This begins with investing in highly secure systems and cybersecurity protocols, even against sophisticated attacks. The point of focus is comprehensive backup-and-disaster-recovery solutions, robust firewalls, and up-to-date systems, servers, network protocols, and programs.

Influencer and Social Media Marketing

Modern businesses are finding outbound marketing obsolete and ineffective, especially in today’s ways of conducting business. Since people are now shopping online and buy what they need and when they want, email marketing, TV/radio advertising, and cold calls seem ineffective against today’s digital world. Inbound marketing, which involves giving consumers what they need, remains the best option to reach a wider audience and increase sales in any business.

Because of this, influencer marketing and social media advertising will transform how businesses market their products through a dynamic marketing strategy. With more and more industries utilizing social media tools to market their products, the trend will likely surpass today’s figures. Besides, organizations are now embracing influencer marketing, which has become the latest trend across different industries.

Key Takeaway

Technological trends continue to transform how people do business in 2021 with AI, 5G networks, focus on cybersecurity, inbound marketing, and comprehensive HR tech being trends to watch out for. Technology continues to transform and streamline operations; hence, keeping up with these trends allows you to stay ahead of the competition and flourish in your industry.

At Servcom USA, we can help you learn more about modern technological trends likely to impact your business. To learn more, contact us or schedule your initial consultation with us today!