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If you’re tech geeks like we are, you’ll look at the past decade like it was the stone age. Advances in Software and automation are redefining the way business is conducted. We’re now more mobile and remote than ever, owing to a ten-fold increase in the speed at which we can access information. As a result, companies, big and small, are being pushed to rethink their concept of a workplace.

The vast majority of the developed world believe the iPhone and facebook to be the greatest feats of technology the world has to offer. Even those of us in IT or Facilities aren’t aware of the tools now available that are fundamentally changing the way business is conducted.

Here, we look at key trends that are redefining the workplace.

1. Goodbye offline storage :

Cloud based data-storage apps like Google Drive & DropBox have proven to be absolute game- changers, with more and more organizations moving toward cloud based solutions for storing crucial data. Having to fetch your own personal computer every time you need a file is a now a thing of the past. The risk involved in your hard drive crashing is virtually non-existent. Having the ability to access and share info on any device while connected to the internet has significantly improved day to day efficiency.

2. Automation - minimize human intervention, maximize productivity :

This one shouldn’t surprise anyone. Human beings are biologically wired to be lazy ; our default mode of operation is to carry out tasks in a manner that requires the least amount of effort. In that regard, any business process that’s repetitive and predictable should be automated. A growing number of organizations are adopting systems that take out the human element of the process, increasing output and minimizing errors.

IFTTT or Zapier are simple yet phenomenal websites that allows users to

sync their gmail accounts to a host of other connected apps. Incoming meeting requests through email are automatically converted into calendar invites on Google Calendar, photo attachments are backed up into the cloud without any mouse clicks. Xero Accounting software works seamlessly with Salesforce to automatically invoice customers as soon as orders are placed. Need an NPS survey sent out a job is closed ? Survey monkey has you covered.

3. Why Build Walls?

Time is money, it’s a universal truth accepted by all corporates and small business alike. Organizations are now learning to (and should ) leverage the latest advances made in cloud collaboration tools and personal conferencing technology, saving precious time lost in the communication process.
Gone are the days where we employees felt tied down to a office to interact with colleagues. Cloud based apps like Google Drive for Work with simultaneous real-time interaction are just the tip of the iceberg. We’re moving on to more advanced and personalized technology. Microsoft's Hololens, it’s the stuff science fiction is made of. The ability to project data in a 3D environment, will give a whole new feel to the collaboration experience. Suitable Technologies has recently launched Beam Pro, which allows users to interact with remote locations by coupling high-end video and audio with the freedom of motion to move about a space.It’s an exciting time to be alive !

4. Make the internet your new Sales Rep

With E-Commerce now proving to be a major revenue stream and sales channel, it’s easier than ever to be able to set-up shop online. The platform does the selling for you and the profit goes straight to the bank.

If your focus is more on generating revenue through volume, and less on brand awareness, established platforms like Amazon or local platforms like souq.com should be an ideal solution for you. Just list your product and wait for the orders.

On the other hand, creating full fledged online stores are a good option if you’re a larger business and are looking to scale up as well as improve your company’s visibility. Shopify and Woocommerce are simple options that can set-up you up within a day. For Adidas, online sales now account for roughly 3% of all global sales. The number may look small, but it’s increased 68.8%, $466.3 Million from $276.3 million in 2013.

5. Virtual crowdsourcing :

Did you know you can create a professional landing page for just $5 ?

Getting the most of of every resource available and sweating every dollar spent is usually a top priority for most finance and operations teams. Online Freelancing platforms like upwork and fiverr have revolutionized the outsourcing market. I can post a job online and receive 10 proposals for the same, all within an hour.Services like digital advertising and graphic designing are best outsourced, and can be cost controlled to your liking.

6. Internet of things

The future of technology - a world where the devices we rely on on a daily basis are all linked together via the internet, forming one giant network of connected devices that can talk to each other. The IoT heralds a new era in the workplace. Devices being able to communicate to each means a flow of real-time information, without having to stop operations and adjust for changes in the system.

Building and room monitoring systems that adjust temperature and brightness as soon as occupants enter, workers notified of issues in the assembly line as soon as they happen, meeting timings changing automatically if you leave the office late. Real-time data that can be unlocked with such ease opens up the door to infinite possibilities - reducing energy consumption, smarter security, improved logistics and inventory.

7. Business Intelligence

A key skill required of executives in any mid to large sized organization is strategic decision making. In the absence of a magic crystal ball, teams have had to rely on past data, experience and instinct to make decisions involving the direction of a company’s efforts. With cloud computing software and IoT now gaining traction,more and more companies are turning to Business Intelligence ; a technology-driven process for analyzing data and presenting actionable information to help corporate executives or end-users make better decisions.

Essentially, BI improves efficiency on both then IT and the business side. On the IT side, workers are freed from the recurring task of creating and changing data reports as end-users are give the same option. On the business side, less time is spent in data analysis and preparation as management reports are created directly from the dashboards. Not only is the data in these reports more up-to-date and credible, but also they are easier to read and handle. And, importantly, the information can be downloaded on smart devices, including the iPhone and iPad.