The future of IT has become the new-age Covid-19 reality as it continues to bring revolutionary innovations to the present. From Fortune 500 companies to small-scale pop-up stores, every enterprise faces an uncertain future. Let’s explore the major technological trends bridging the gap between the present and the future amid a global pandemic.
In this article, we will share 5 technological trends that help create a resilient society and support modern-day businesses.
1. Contactless Digital Payments
It is understood that cash can carry the virus. To counter this issue, central banks in South Korea, China and the US have implemented salient measures to ensure banknotes are sanitized before they are sent to be circulated locally. However, this measure has proven to be futile as banknotes remain in circulation for an indefinite period.
Fortunately, contactless electronic payments, be it in the form of cards or digital wallets, are the recommended and most suitable payment methods to contain the spread of COVID-19. Electronic payments allow people to make online purchases and payments without contacting the sellers or using banknotes. You can buy goods, services, sort your utility payments, and receive stimulus funds faster.
2. Robot Deliveries and E-Commerce
In late 2002, the SARS outbreak led to the monumental growth of both B2B and B2C digital marketplace platforms in China. Likewise, COVID-19 has transformed the e-commerce landscape from a good-to-have to a must-have phenomenon across the globe. E-commerce needs to be supported by a robust and powerful logistics system. In-person delivery is not a secure option, and to make contactless online shopping more effective, companies need to introduce efficient robot deliveries.
Many companies providing logistic solutions and restaurants in the US and China are launching contactless delivery systems where products are picked up and dropped off at an identified location instead of from or into the hands of an individual. Meanwhile, e-commerce giants are also expediting their development of robot-led deliveries. However, before robot delivery services become a regular phenomenon, delivery companies need to ensure clear security protocols and take strict safety measures while maintaining the sanitary condition of delivered products.
3. Telehealth
Telehealth can be a smart way to contain the spread of Coronavirus while still providing much-needed primary care. Vital signs can be tracked using wearable personal loT devices. Initial diagnoses based on the symptoms of the patient can be made using efficient chatbots. Nevertheless there are several countries where medical costs are high which make it mandatory for the respective governments to ensure telehealth coverage for the patient’s medical insurance.
Besides a good internet connection, Telehealth requires some level of tech-literacy and knowledge to operate. Medical services are heavily regulated and doctors can only provide in-patient care to people that live in their jurisdiction. These regulations were written during the time when a world where telehealth would be commonplace was unimaginable. With modern-day technology, medical services can now be extended across all frontiers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. 3D Printing
3D printing technology has been brought-forward to mitigate the damage to the supply chain and export bans on goods.
3D printing offers great pliability in production; the same printer can create different products based on multiple design files and information, and simple products can be made onsite quickly without requiring an arduous procurement process. Production management becomes more efficient as the long wait for the shipment to arrive is eliminated with the help of 3D technology.
However, mass production using 3D printing doesn’t come without its set of problems. Firstly, there may be intellectual property concerns involved in producing parts that are secured by patent. Secondly, the production of certain goods, surgical masks for instance, are subject to strict regulatory approvals, which can take quite a while to obtain. Other unresolved issues include how design files and materials should be safeguarded under patent regimes, the place where they originated and the effect on trade growth and product feasibility associated with 3D printed products.
5. 5G Accessibility
All the aforementioned digital trends rely on a stable, high-speed and low-cost internet connection. While 5G has established its importance in remote monitoring and medical consultation, the rollout of 5G is delayed worldwide at the time when the technology may be required the most.
To facilitate 5G adoption, the cost of compatible devices and data plans will need to be increased. Addressing this spike in the price range and ensuring that 5G access is all-inclusive will be important steps leading to the expansion of 5G network globally.
The Significance Of Technological Readiness
COVID-19 has demonstrated the importance of technological readiness, which will allow businesses and lives to continue as usual – as much as possible – during epidemics. Building the necessary infrastructure to support a tech-savvy world will be essential for any enterprise or country to remain competitive in a post-pandemic world.
