To The Average Person?
Despite the fact that we are subjected to the “idea” of technology on an almost daily basis, our perception of this term remains broad, contextual and often shaped by our own personal experiences that have been a result of the environment we are most accustomed to. What almost everyone fails to understand however, is that;
“We can simply define it as either the products, processes or even organizations with the sole intention to assist in carrying out a task or situation with added ease and a more logical and analytical way to reach a desired outcome”
Sounds a bit simpler than the usual technical jargon doesn’t it…but what are some examples?
Let’s look at this in a bit more of an interesting way being the technology we may or may not realize we use every day. We can start it off with something as simple as getting out of bed in the morning aided by the springs within the bed, sunglasses we wear when it is bright outside thanks to the polarized shades, the cloud software we harness whenever we send a text, DVD’s you watch that have come a long way from floppy discs and finally the constantly changing algorithms on Google searches that continue to put the most relevant websites in front of the perfect target market. Most of these we will use day to day on a consumer level, however, technology can also impact businesses for the better in more than the traditional sense.
Believe it or not but the evolution of the wheel has been one of the best examples of technology in history
What About Within An Organization?
So having now understood that technology is also being utilized within a business environment, when looking at the most prominent technology in this context it, can be distinguished into 3 main types that can bring a significant competitive advantage if utilized properly:
1- Communication Technology:
This is a type of technology that is strictly used to transmit data from one place or person to another. It can be utilized to brainstorm ideas, convey information, express emotion or collaborate together on a task. The most common form of communication technology at a business level is cloud software utilization, specifically a platform such as Microsoft Share Point in order to increase transparency between employees and reach the desired output of safe, easy and quick workflows achieved within a company. The ability to work together with employees either within an organisation or outside of one on a mutual project can not be overlooked when it comes down to fast tracked growth opportunities.
2 – Information Technology:
The most traditional sense of the word technology, so I’m sure you’re wondering why this is in here after reading the rest of the article. Well the truth is, while technology is rapidly being innovated to enhance certain verticals or simplistic day to day tasks, the utilization of a set of hardware or software tools that can facilitate decision making within an organization will remain paramount to the success of any organization going forward. It is vital to be able to manage information systems within a business in order to ensure that data is stored and practices are run as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Many operational activities within an organisation are becoming increasingly reliant on any new I.T. trends that can minimize workflows and increase profits. This can be as simple as hiring any managed services or automation firms on the market that can assist a company.
3 – Educational Technology:
This type of technology has been developed and continues to be innovated in order to prepare individuals and employees to acquire a deeper understanding or knowledge of a particular vertical or aspect of a company. While this may already also be prominent within schools and universities, being proactive and making access to educational and relevant learning material that can assist employees in their day to day as well as long term goals and tasks, an organization will be able to clarify and streamline the vision of what they are aspiring to achieve.
So there you have it, remember, technology is the products and processes that are utilized to achieve a desired outcome. Anything that has a correlation with this statement in your day to day life whether at work or in your personal life can be classified as technology.