Technology transformations accelerated, innovations became bolder and more aggressive and digital operations proved they could support physical systems and functions while employees weren't able to run them in person
FREMONT, CA: The second anniversary of the pandemic is rapidly approaching. Early in 2020, probably the most significant, unfamiliar, and disruptive event in the history of business slammed upon the commercial world with no warning. Technology revolutions intensified, innovations became more daring and aggressive, and digital operations demonstrated that they could support physical systems and functions even when personnel couldn't run them in person.
Most business leaders have realised in the 18 months since that many of the pandemic-induced changes are here to stay, as technology's role now brings benefits far too significant to reverse course, both in further accelerating and better corralling companies' explosive growth and in ensuring they remain viable and relevant. For example, IT and OT (operational technology) convergence enabled a wide range of capabilities, from automated product manufacture to supply chain route optimization.
Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.
For many industries, 5G has become a necessity. It provides the connectivity required in healthcare to keep devices communicating about test findings and images. It lets teachers offer courses to remote students in a seamless manner in education. It delivers everything from GPS to audio and video streaming for in-car entertainment for passengers in the auto sector.
The rise of businesses that can build their own private 5G networks is likely to be a major factor in 2022. Instead of sharing these networks with the general public, businesses can take control and tailor them to meet their own business needs. The immediate benefits may encourage even more widespread use of 5G across businesses.
Organizations will prioritise an "intelligent industry" agenda for their products and suppliers in 2022, driven by Covid-19, labour shortages, and geopolitical tensions. What was once viewed as a purely physical system or piece of factory equipment is now digitally incorporated. To decrease in-person contact and other safety issues, businesses can trust their robots to work autonomously. Global disruptions and shortages, which left many organisations scurrying for inventory in 2021, can be mitigated by smart capabilities that anticipate problems and respond in real-time to catastrophes. The smart supply chain can reduce business risk by rerouting products in more efficient ways or recommending more localised providers.
More in News