There's no doubt that technology has had a profound impact on businesses. In the last few years alone, Canadian organizations — from corporations to small- and medium-sized businesses — have seen how technology is invaluable in keeping operations going during times of crisis and disruption.
As we move further into 2023, business owners may be pondering which technological innovations will be most beneficial to their operations moving forward. So in this blog post, we'll take a look at tech trends that are likely to shape the future of business.
Application integration technologies
Businesses are now reliant on more technologies than ever. Because of this, when organizations invest in new technology, they must ensure that all their applications can collaborate effectively with existing systems.
To make sure every component of the infrastructure runs smoothly together, businesses should invest in technologies that not only integrate data from different applications but also unify all programs to create a streamlined and cohesive system. For instance, this year, business leaders should look into Integration-Platform-as-a-Service, which allows for secure, automated data exchange and communication between multiple applications.
Conversational user interfaces (CUI)
Canadians' escalated internet use during the pandemic emphasizes the importance of establishing an online presence to stay ahead of the curve. However, it’s not enough to simply have a website and social media pages. A business must be able to stand out from its competitors that are also leveraging digital marketing. One way to do so is by investing in CUI, a form of AI-powered customer service.
CUI can be voice activated, such as digital assistants like Siri and Alexa, or it can involve text-based conversation simulations through instant messaging platforms, such as chatbots. These technologies have the potential to significantly improve customer service by creating an efficient and engaging experience that customers appreciate. For example, chatbots can help provide 24/7 customer service, instantaneously address any inquiries from customers, and create personalized experiences.
Read also: AI technology: 5 Reasons your business should embrace it
Blockchain
Blockchain has become increasingly popular with businesses in recent years, and it’s expected to be an essential technology in 2023 and beyond. This is because blockchain can offer increased efficiency through faster payment processing times, improved security for sensitive data, reduced cost by eliminating expensive intermediaries, and insights into how business operations are performing over time. This could have far-reaching implications for improving customer experience and the bottom line.
And because the data stored on a blockchain network cannot be altered or deleted without consensus from all parties involved in the transaction, it eliminates the risk of fraud or data tampering. This makes the technology especially helpful to organizations that need enhanced security for sensitive data such as medical records or financial information.
Business mobile applications
Today's customers expect greater convenience and accessibility when engaging with their favorite brands, and mobile apps provide an effective way to meet those demands. With a mobile app, businesses can ensure that customers have access to a wide range of services, products, and information at their fingertips. A seamless mobile experience can also help businesses interact more easily with their client base, enabling them to reach out directly to customers through push notifications or in-app messages.
In addition, a mobile app gives organizations the opportunity to collect user data, which can be used for analysis and getting insights into customer behavior. Not only does this allow businesses to better understand their target audiences, but it also helps them optimize their marketing strategies by personalizing content according to individuals' needs or interests.
While taking advantage of the aforementioned tech trends can bring many benefits, it's also important to have the right infrastructure and support system in place for a successful implementation. XBASE Technologies is an experienced business technology partner specializing in helping organizations make the most out of their technology investments. Contact us today so we can provide you with tailored solutions designed specifically for your needs.