Technologies That Are Changing the Way We Work

Abbey Wang

With the rise of technology in AI, blockchain, and other domains, the way people perform work-related tasks has changed.

This topic has a lot to cover. Let’s take a close look at how technologies are changing the way we work.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning is a rapidly growing stream. Every industry is trying hard to merge its systems with AI to reduce human intervention and maximize productivity. AI technologies have improved automation and assist in daily tasks. It has automated various types of work such as content creation, customer services, data analysis, and even managing digital signage to provide real-time information and updates. Including AI and ML skills can significantly enhance a candidate's resume, showcasing their ability to work with cutting-edge technologies that drive efficiency and innovation.

Let me explain using customer services as an example.

Traditionally, humans used to answer queries and customer concerns in an online or at physical business as well. AI has taken over this task and now chatbots are used for this purpose.

AI decision making

Artificial intelligence also helps in decision-making in a business. Large datasets are analyzed by AI which helps to quantify data and make precise decisions and predictions with minimum human intervention.  It can handle data crunching, complex analysis, and optimized decision-making easily.

AI also has significant challenges and risks. There are ethical considerations and social dilemmas that can be harmed by it. Maybe it replaces the job of humans or devalues their careers, so it's important to adopt human-centric approaches to AI and ensure that the workforce is capable to adjust and make their space in this revolutionizing industry.

Cloud Computing

Hologram projector screen with cloud system technology

Imagine you are in your office and want to access some files that are in your iPad. Unfortunately, you have left your iPad at home.

What can you do now?

There are two options; whether to go back home and get the iPad or access those files from your desktop.

You will prefer to use a desktop and access those files remotely rather than going home and picking up the iPad.

This is the extent of ease and flexibility this technology offers. You can open your documents anywhere and at any time.

Cloud computing has facilitated the setting up of mobile offices and workforce. Employees are no longer bound to come into the office to work. They can work from home or any other place they prefer, all thanks to cloud systems.

Governmental, non-governmental, or other big companies are highly exposed to mini cyber-attacks which might harm their confidential information. Cloud-based software like Zoho Assist or TeamViewer have allowed IT teams to operate from anywhere in the world which decreases the risk of information theft as the attacks can be dealt with instantly. Remote operations by IT teams also reduce infrastructure costs and improve scalability.

OCR-Optical Character Recognition

Business people analyzing financial data and big QR code

It refers to an automated solution for data extraction from images to convert them into editable and machine-readable formats.

This technology has replaced manual text extraction which requires a lot of time and energy whereas this technology can extract the text in seconds. Instead of doing a number of processes manually, conversion can be done with OCR without any hassle.

OCR is widely used in various sectors for several purposes. Some common uses are mentioned below.

Law:               To scan affidavits, judgments, and wills.

Healthcare:  To process patients' records and payments.

Tourism:       To scan passports or travel documents

Logistics:      To scan barcodes or other texts on packaging

There are numerous tools available online that use this technology to extract textual data from images and scanned documents. Imagetotext.io is one such tool that is leveraging OCR technology. You can give it a try to know how this technology works. As it is a free tool, you won’t have to worry about signing up to try this tool. Image-to-Text tools are perfect examples to experience the efficiency and accuracy of OCR technology.

Blockchain

Data economy isometric composition with human characters icons of servers with connections to stack of coins vector illustration

Blockchain for business is built on a shared ledger that is permissioned to enhance collaboration among partners. It enables businesses to transact more efficiently.

To add a new block in the chain a user has to solve a mathematical problem that grows in complexity with the addition of a new block. This technology is considered hard to be cracked as the mathematical problems need recalculation which needs high computing power and time that is often unrealistic.

Information that is once posted on it cannot be changed or edited later because of security concerns. The records become immutable. In case, if any error occurs then an opposing transaction has to be made to correct that.

In the past, businesses lacked security and fraud rates were high. It caused great loss to the business owners.

Blockchain has revolutionized businesses in many ways such as:

  • Decentralization
  • Data protection
  • Reduction in fraud
  • Enhanced security
  • Efficiency improvement
  • Increased traceability

Blockchain has brought greater efficiency to businesses by advancing various aspects such as those that I have mentioned before.

Final talk

Artificial intelligence continues to evolve industries through the automation of tasks. It smooths several processes like decision-making and customer services.

Cloud computing has made work more flexible and has allowed access to documents anywhere and at any time. It has also helped IT teams to respond quickly to cyber-attacks without being physically present in the office.

OCR technology automates text extraction from images making it faster than a manual process with less time and energy invested. Imagetotext.io can be used for this purpose as it provides precise results with free and easy navigation.

Lastly, blockchain technology enhances business operations by improving security systems and increasing efficiency. Its tamper-proof technology makes it a valuable tool for business today.