man using phone
Drones

Tips for Choosing the Right Commercial Loan Origination and Lending Software

In the world of commercial lending and origination, software is key. The right software can help you streamline your operations, reduce risk and costs, increase productivity, and make more informed decisions. 

That’s why choosing a lender/loan originator system that works best for your needs, your company’s culture and your goal is important. Here are some tips to help you select the right software.


Set business goals

Before you look for commercial loan origination and lending software, make sure you know your business goals. You should write down the specific things important to achieving those goals. 

For example, if your goal is to increase sales by 20%, then it’s important for you to find a system that can help generate leads efficiently so that more people will come through the door when they hear about what has happened at an upcoming event or trade show.


Look at your current process

Before choosing commercial lending software, it’s important to look at your current process. Are you currently using manual methods, or do you have an electronic system? If so, what are the top pain points of this process? How long does it take for each agent to complete their work on an average day? What is the average size of loans they process monthly, and how many do they handle per month?

If there are no answers to any of these questions or if there isn’t enough information available about how much time is spent completing tasks within your organization (or even if there isn’t any data at all), then it’s probably best not to make any changes until after taking a close look at how things are currently being done.


Identify your primary needs and wants

Before choosing the best commercial lending software, it’s important to identify your primary needs and wants. So, you must ask these questions to yourself before making any decisions. 

  • What are your business’ primary needs?
  • What are your customers’ primary needs?
  • How do employees feel about their current system for making payments on loans or other financial transactions?


Decide what kind of partner you are looking for

When looking for a commercial loan origination and lending software partner, it’s important to find someone with the right skill set. The most successful software providers are those that can help you build and maintain the software. Look for an experienced partner with a good track record as well.


Set a timeline for implementation and training

The timeline for implementation and training should be realistic. If a company plans to implement its software in under two months, they likely have everything lined up and ready to go. However, if a company needs more time than this, it will help them avoid costly delays in getting their new technology up and running.

If you’re going through an acquisition or merger process with another business entity (which may include setting up new loan origination systems), make sure everyone knows what has to happen during this transitional period so that everyone has time to make appropriate plans.

Asking for help from colleagues or friends who have experience working with commercial lenders can also be beneficial here, you might even find someone who has already been through similar situations before!


Conclusion

Commercial lending software can make your life easier regarding loan origination. You must choose the right software for your needs. If you’re just starting out, it is recommended to try out some of the free options available on the market before investing in a commercial lending software package.


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WiFi6
Networking

What to Expect From WiFi 6 in 2022

Since its introduction, WiFi has become one of the most popular and successful wireless technologies. At its core, WiFi is a simple protocol that can be used to connect any two devices over an invisible radio link. However, the technical underpinnings of WiFi make it so successful.


What is WiFi 6?

WiFi 6 (802.11ax) is the latest version of the WiFi standard used to connect devices to a wireless local area network (WLAN). It’s also known by the marketing name Gigabit WiFi and was approved in December 2017 as part of the IEEE 802.11ax standard.

The 802.11ax standard is backward compatible with previous WiFi versions and offers several improvements over 802.11ac, including greater capacity and speed.

WiFi 6 is designed to support a wide range of applications and use cases that require many users or devices connected simultaneously, such as in public hotspots or dense residential environments such as apartment blocks. It also boasts improved network efficiency for more streamlined operations at scale and increased performance for individual users.

WiFi 6 promises higher speeds and better performance for your data-hungry devices than previous versions of WiFi. That’s not just good news for you; it means the technology will help fuel a new generation of internet-connected devices, from virtual reality headsets and smart home appliances to autonomous vehicles.

emerging trends

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What Is Unique About WiFi 6?

The first difference is speed and capacity. Unlike previous WiFi upgrades, which added more frequency bands and more spatial streams to achieve higher speeds, WiFi 6 uses wider channels (160 MHz instead of 40 MHz). It has larger packets (2,560 bytes instead of 1,280 bytes) to achieve higher data rates (upwards of 10 Gbps). This gives WiFi 6 up to four times the speed and capacity of previous versions.

WiFi 6 also brings several changes designed to improve reliability and security. Multiple Access Points can now talk to each other directly without going through the router.

This means clients can connect directly with each other while still enjoying the benefits of a centralized management interface like the dynamic quality of service (QoS) or traffic shaping. These features should make WiFi 6 less prone to interference, especially in crowded environments like stadiums or airports.



What Makes WiFi 6 Faster?

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access: This is one of the main improvements that WiFi 6 brings to the table. The basic concept behind OFDMA is that it divides radio frequencies into multiple channels, enabling various devices to share the same space without interfering. This can be extremely important in crowded areas like airports or coffee shops where many people use their devices at once.

Overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS): To provide faster speeds, WiFi 6 allows two devices to connect simultaneously on the same channel. This is similar to how you might use your laptop and phone as hotspots for your tablet, but with WiFi 6, the second device doesn’t slow down the first one. The second device can still receive a strong signal from the router, even if connected to another device.

Beamforming: Beamforming helps direct wireless signals in specific directions rather than broadcasting in all directions like a radio tower. This method directs the wireless signal only where it needs to go and away from where it doesn’t need to be. This prevents interference with other wireless devices nearby.


WiFi 6 Is a Major Leap Forward for Internet Access

Like how the jump from 3G to 4G LTE gave us faster data speeds and better coverage, WiFi 6 will usher in new capabilities like multi-user access and increased capacity. Where does that leave your older routers? It might be time to upgrade.

In addition to providing better connectivity, WiFi 6 also has more efficient spectrum use, which will allow carriers to use their 4G networks more efficiently while still offering good coverage and fast speeds to customers.

Because it is backward compatible with previous generations, businesses don’t have to worry about replacing their older devices if they want WiFi 6 capabilities; they need to ensure that their access points support the newer standard.

It is also safe for businesses to upgrade their network now because the new standard will be supported by most devices within a few years when it becomes a de-facto standard for any new device purchase.

According to Deloitte Global, the trend is clear: we will have more WiFi 6 devices than 5G by 2022, with 2.5 billion units shipped versus 1.5 billion.

WiFi 6 offers the most advanced wireless technology available today and has many applications. From smartphones and laptops to smart TVs, and even cars, WiFi 6 can offer fast connections and reliable performance in many environments.

Some wireless carriers in the United States and other countries have conducted trials of 5G technology, but those tests are just getting started. Meanwhile, some wireless carriers around the globe are already testing or deploying WiFi 6 gear.

The biggest advantage of WiFi 6 over 5G is that it’s easier to set up and deploy. If you’re a business owner, starting a WiFi network for your store is not a complicated thing. The equipment needed for setting up a WiFi 6 network is also cheaper than what’s required for setting up a 5G network.

The two technologies don’t directly compete against each other. However, 5G will likely take a bite out of WiFi usage as people move more of their data traffic away from home onto cellular networks.

At the office, large enterprises say WiFi 6 would be critical in the next three years, with 73% saying it would be relevant by 2023 compared to 61% of medium businesses and just 34% of small businesses. Overall, 58% said it would be relevant by 2023.


WiFi 6 Release 2 Has Arrived, It’s Even Better

On January 7, 2022, the WiFi Alliance announced the official launch of WiFi 6 Release 2. This is a significant update to the WiFi 6 standard. New features in Release 2 are designed to boost efficiency by allowing devices to sleep longer and wake up less often — and when they do wake, they can receive data from multiple access points at once. These new features also allow WiFi 6 devices to connect with each other directly, without needing an access point as an intermediary, in a technology called “multi-user spatial multiplexing.”

Uplink MU-MIMO is one of the most exciting new features in WiFi 6 Release 2. It gives access points the ability to send data back to client devices without waiting for the client device to send an ACK (acknowledgment).

Without uplink MU-MIMO, if an AP sends a data frame to a client device and that client device doesn’t work ACK within a certain period (typically three times the maximum frame length), the AP is required to resend that data frame. With uplink MU-MIMO enabled on both the AP and client device, this requirement no longer exists.

This second release of the specification adds other capabilities to help further differentiate devices and provide additional flexibility for manufacturers and operators to meet specific use cases or tailor the technology to different device form factors like automotive, IoT, or even home appliances and other connected devices.

WiFi 6 is only in its infancy so far, but it promises to have a much more significant impact on the industry than WiFi 5. The tech development has already had a significant effect on what we can expect from our devices in the future, and it seems clear that the WiFi 6 will be bringing us many exciting new features as the years go by.


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Industry Professionals Overcoming COVID
Remote Work

The Shift to Remote Work: How COVID-19 Has Changed the Workplace

During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work became one of the reasons resilient companies survived the mass shutdowns. But according to research by Stanford University economics professor Nicholas Bloom, half of workers simply won't be able to work from home in 2022. The other half will be divided into a small percentage of those who can work from home indefinitely, while most others will work under a hybrid mix of remote and in-office work.

Work from home opportunities will continue in the coming years as part of a new norm, but not the majority. A trend is developing of hybrid workers moving further away from heavily populated areas, seeking larger homes and longer commutes. One of the top advantages of remote work is it allows people to move around and live where they choose.


Technologies You Need for a Remote Work Infrastructure

Remote work is best organized and communicated through a cloud-based network. That means you'll need a virtual private network (VPN) and an in-house or outsourced IT team with a data center or an internet service provider. At some point, you'll likely need tech support, which is why many companies outsource to a managed services provider (MSP). Here are the other technologies businesses effectively utilize for remote work that make them able to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic:


Cloud Platforms

The cloud is the story of today's business and consumer culture. It's where social networks are in the spotlight and commercial transactions take place. It's also the primary underlying technology behind remote work and other reasons for anytime/anywhere access to a network. The reason businesses have flocked to the cloud is due to cost-efficiency, easy scalability and greater convenience.

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Watch the recording of our webinar "2022 Emerging Trends Edition", where an international panel of speakers covers some of the most important developments, innovations and trends in technology in 2022.

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Virtual and Unified Communications

Virtualization is a common technology integrated with cloud-based infrastructure that allows for a wide range of seamless digital experiences. Combined with unified communications, which facilitates integration of multiple channels into one platform, this solution boosts productivity and improves collaboration.


Disaster Recovery and Data Backup Plan

If your company suffers a cybersecurity breach or a power outage, critical data can be damaged or lost. That's why you need to regularly back up your data in multiple places, so you can easily resume normal business activity. Your disaster recovery plan should list the steps to take during an emergency. Backup power generators and backup servers are useful for maintaining business continuity.


Cybersecurity Layers

The more mobile devices that connect with your network, the more you need 24/7 network monitoring software that detects suspicious activity. The strongest cybersecurity systems can still be breached by hackers, so you need to build as many layers of security as possible to protect your data.

If remote workers use their own devices, you'll need to set policies on how to use company data. You should use cybersecurity tools to register and monitor devices allowed to access your network. Other things you need for protection are antivirus software, firewalls, and encryption.


Business Apps

Various business apps are available to empower your digital business activity. Consider apps for cloud platforms such as Office 365, WordPress and Dropbox. These platforms can be accessed by anyone on your team at any time to conduct business affairs.


Mobile or Desktop Devices

The widespread professional use of mobile devices continues in the era of increasing remote work. People can now do work on their notepads while they travel. The bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model had already become widespread prior to the pandemic. It's an excellent strategy for cutting technology costs, but it requires more robust cybersecurity. For remote workers who have developed home offices, desktops are still widely preferred.


Project Management Tools

Chat tools are helpful for real-time communication when a project is in progress. Sometimes a project manager needs to make quick adjustments to a project. Broader project management platforms exist to organize work assignments and schedules. Some of the most commonly used project management tools include Asana and Azure DevOps.


Working From Home?

Here are 12 challenges with remote work and how to overcome them:

  1. Real-time collaboration and communication - Remote workers should be available to interact with supervisors and coworkers digitally during a scheduled work period. Zoom, Slack and Microsoft Teams can keep a workforce connected on the same page.
  2. Lonely remote work experience due to isolation - Remote workers should be encouraged to pursue social activity outside of work.
  3. Inability to disconnect from work environment - A well-organized home office environment can make a remote worker feel more connected to their employer.
  4. Household distractions that reduce productivity - Finding a quiet place in the home while working is helpful for those with mobile devices. Turning off the TV, a smartphone and other technology that makes noise ensures less interruptions.
  5. Dealing with people in different time zones - Use file-sharing services when working with a remote team scattered around the world.
  6. Maintaining motivation to stay productive - Write down long-term goals and post them where they can be visible as a daily reminder.
  7. Taking time off occasionally - Everyone needs to take a break sometimes, which managers need to understand, expect and plan for workers.
  8. Accessing reliable wireless internet - Make sure remote workers have sufficient connections and are equipped with appropriate apps.
  9. Falling into poor habits that reduce efficiency - Workers can give themselves reminders on their phones about their work schedule. It's also important for physical and mental well-being to consume nutritious food.
  10. Managing work schedules effectively - Set specific work hours that are comfortable and keep the schedule consistent.
  11. Casual approach to work - Instead of doing work in pajamas, remote workers should treat work at home the same as work in an office.
  12. Failing to network effectively - Professionals can stay in touch with their industries by attending virtual events and embracing professional relationships.


Conclusion

Many digital nomads are relocating to more rural states where spending power is greater and taxes are lower. But remote workers and their employers face major challenges to address and overcome in the next few years. The key for a successful remote work environment is for skilled people and modern technology to work together.


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Smart Tech Solutions
Information Technology

Exploring the Impact of Smart Technology in Business and Personal Applications

Smart technology is transforming the way businesses operate. Every aspect of your business now relies on digital data, and modern smart tech is designed to leverage this information effectively. This shift is redefining how we interact with the digital world, both in personal and professional contexts. Terms like "intelligent systems" and "connected devices" are more than buzzwords—they’re the future of innovation. Let's explore how smart tech is revolutionizing various aspects of life and business.

Revolutionizing Living Spaces with Smart Technology

Smart technology has ushered in an era of interconnected living, particularly with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT). This innovation enables you to control nearly any electrical operation in your home remotely, offering unprecedented convenience. From automated lighting to advanced security systems, smart devices make your home more efficient and enjoyable.

In a business context, these advancements are equally transformative. Smart appliances and security systems provide commercial operations with enhanced control and monitoring. For instance, business owners can manage an HVAC system remotely, receiving alerts when maintenance is needed. Here's a glimpse into how smart technology is reshaping home and business environments:

  • Lighting
  • Security Systems
  • Appliances
  • Entertainment Systems
  • Climate Control

The integration of smart tech into daily life not only simplifies tasks but also enhances energy efficiency and resource management.

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Enhancing Transportation with Smart Tech

Transportation has evolved significantly with the adoption of smart technology. The logistics sector, in particular, benefits from IoT applications that provide real-time data on supply chains, fleet management, and route optimization. These systems allow for more efficient resource management and minimize downtime for vehicles.

Europe's Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) initiative, launched in 2010, exemplifies this shift. By incorporating smart technology into transportation infrastructure, businesses can stay ahead in a competitive landscape, ensuring seamless operations and optimal resource use.

Smart Technology’s Role in AI and Machine Learning

Smart tech also plays a critical role in the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). These technologies enable businesses to automate and refine operations, making them more efficient. AI-driven systems can manage complex tasks, from routine maintenance to advanced decision-making processes, without requiring human intervention.

Machine Learning, a subset of AI, allows systems to improve their performance over time by learning from data. This capability is increasingly crucial as businesses strive for greater efficiency and productivity. As smart technology continues to advance, its applications in AI and ML will become even more integral to business operations.

Preparing Your Business for a Smart Future

Incorporating smart technology into your business strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential. From AI-driven operations to smart transportation and home automation, staying updated on these innovations is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. The future of business lies in smart tech, and adapting to these changes will ensure your business thrives in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Contact us to learn more about how smart tech can optimize your business operations and enhance your personal life.

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Supply Chain Enablers
Supply Chain

Smart Technology: Optimizing Supply Chain Management Processes

The supply chain crisis during the pandemic may take a while to resolve. Now suppliers and logistics firms are focusing increasingly on sustainability plans to make it through the crisis. Sustainability is important to protecting the environment, but it also involves finance and supply chain management, such as investing in resources and cutting waste. Here are ways the pandemic has forced supply chains to become enablers of sustainability and resilience.


Worst Supply Chain Crisis in Decades

Prior to the pandemic, product managers used 6-month lead times while projecting consumer demand. But as supply chains became cluttered, lead times grew to 12 months. The combination of port and shipping delays, along with labor and supply shortages, has pushed consumer prices significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Not only are consumers having trouble finding what they want in stores, but they are also being stung by inflation.

Shipping container costs have surged in recent years partly due to port bottlenecks associated with large shippers taking up enormous space. It’s causing delays, so companies transporting shipping containers must pay significantly higher storage fees than prior to the pandemic. Consequently, the ripple effect has sent shockwaves throughout the market, which are noticeably felt by consumers.


New Supply Chain Priorities

Supply chain priorities are shifting toward protecting the environment, preserving resources, and striving for more efficient production, ordering and delivery methods. A recent survey of 1,000 supply chain executives by Oxford Economics/SAP found that 66 percent have implemented sustainable practices on a wide scale.

Three major shifts in supply chain focus during the pandemic involve sustainability, relationships, and shortages.

  • Sustainability – The concept of investing in sustainable solutions was initially met with resistance in the early part of the pandemic. But now an increasing number of supply chain managers are identifying sustainability as a vital part of supply chain management.
  • Relationships – Supply chains are being held together more by relationships than transactions. Small to mid-size firms have an edge over larger manufacturers at making supply chain adjustments. Large producers potentially have more suppliers to manage and suffer deeper setbacks from shortages.
  • Shortages – Supply chain models are shifting from “just-in-time delivery” to “just-in-case inventory.” Suppliers and retailers must plan ahead more to manage supplies while forecasting demand. That’s why a growing emphasis is placed on technology that generates accurate demand predictions.
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Watch the recording of our webinar "2022 Emerging Trends Edition", where an international panel of speakers covers some of the most important developments, innovations and trends in technology in 2022. 

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Enabling with Smart Technology

Supply chains are steadily embracing smart technology to become more efficient networks that can easily interact with members and external organizations. Here are five major forms of emerging technology that are enabling supply chains and logistics firms to develop smart ecosystems for streamlining their operations.


1. IoT Sensors Communicating Through Networks

The IoT revolution consists of RFID chips connected with Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs) and the more sophisticated Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WANs). The sensors collect data and send it to analysts in real time to provide operational insights.


2. Blockchain for Digital Convenience

This underlying technology called blockchain offers traceable and transparent qualities to an individual or organization. Not only can blockchain facilitate decentralized digital transactions with cryptocurrencies, but it can also store digital items securely.


3. Cloud and Edge Computing

The cloud has become the center of business activity because of its efficiency in facilitating remote work and online collaboration with global teams. Businesses are also utilizing edge computing as a way to shorten the data transmission path to their main data center. When a business develops its own satellite cloud data center, it takes the strain off the main data center and allows for faster data processing.


4. Turning to a Predictive Analytics Engine

The use of a predictive analytics engine helps managers forecast unexpected supply chain disruptions. Businesses no longer need to rely on their own data processing centers, as they can outsource to cloud services that provide real-time virtual experiences and analytics. A predictive analytics engine can provide valuable time-saving insights on inventory practices, cost/waste reduction and managing customer satisfaction.


5. AI, ML and Automation Software

Other profound enablers for suppliers are artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and automation software. Each of these innovative technologies has the potential to offset labor shortages in some way. AI and ML open the door to accelerating solutions by scanning large amounts of data then recommending answers to problems in a matter of seconds. Automation software helps reduce manual labor, such as redundant tasks that a computer can do faster and more accurately than a human.


Toward More Intelligent Warehousing

When you combine the five areas of modern warehousing and logistics technology together, you get synergism that optimizes supply chains. They each contribute to simplifying an extremely complex process. As smart technology becomes more integrated with supply chain management, it will reduce inventory errors and speed up deliveries. So look for smart technology to become the norm for warehouses and transportation firms.

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No Code Solutions Challenges
Software Development

How No Code Solutions Support Smart Manufacturing

For the past several decades, writing software code has been at the core of resolving production problems for manufacturers. But manufacturers are challenged by complex operations that coordinate people with machines and materials in real time. Now the use of no code solutions is emerging as an alternative simplified school of thought for manufacturers.


Meaning of No Code

A no code solution involves an individual using a software platform to create new applications without writing code. The person doesn’t have to spend six months learning a computer language to design software. They access user-friendly tools such as drag and drop features much like a content management system that doesn’t require knowing code to build a website.

Crafting software without writing code is similar to how a musician can write songs without knowing how to read musical notation. The idea behind a software-driven solution becomes easier to explore and test for managers and engineers. No code solutions further open the door to any person with problem-solving abilities to create a functionable application that improves production processes.

Basically, the no code method doesn’t require technical training, which can save the company money. It can empower talented individuals who lack technical training but have analytical skills that can help streamline processes.


If-Then Logic

At the foundation of a software application is the “if-then principle.” A person who thinks in this mode is thinking like a computer program in which events trigger actions. When an event in the digital realm can trigger an action, it can be repeated and automated. All a programmer needs are simplified tools that facilitate events, triggers, and actions. Visual tools are particularly helpful in crafting the steps to an if-then program.

Video games are based on the if-then principle. If you move the joystick a certain direction, then the object on the screen moves in that direction. There’s still internal code telling the program what to do, but the designer doesn’t have to ever see it. Essentially, software can now create software. Meanwhile, experienced code writers can choose the “low code” alternative, which can lead to speedier solutions.

emerging trends

Watch the recording of our webinar "2022 Emerging Trends Edition", where an international panel of speakers covers some of the most important developments, innovations and trends in technology in 2022.

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How No Code Programming Improves a Facility

One of the most significant benefits of developing software solutions without directly writing code is that it creates a more flexible workplace. You can maximize the skills of various personnel and allocate time more effectively for experienced talent. It potentially allows you to cut costs on IT and software engineering or tap into talent for customized proprietary solutions.

The use of in-house or outsourced no code designers helps speed up operational goals. It removes the language barrier that technology has typically presented. No longer does a manufacturer have to rely on dedicated software specialists to create digital solutions. Front-line factory workers have been contributors to software solutions in the past, but it has usually happened by sending suggestions for customized functions to a software development team.

Waiting around for software developers to respond to ticketed requests can lead to weeks of wasted time. A company can be more agile with its streamlining by empowering analysts to create software solutions as needed to overcome a system flaw or vulnerability. When an analyst who sees and deals with a problem is allowed to craft a direct solution instead of relying on a software engineer’s interpretation of the problem, the result can save time and money.


Who Can Create No Code Solutions?

Anybody who knows how to operate a computer can now create software programs without learning a line of code. But you don’t necessarily want to assign such a task randomly. It’s important the designer is familiar with the firm’s internal or external processes and possesses problem-solving skills. Emerging terms such as “democratizing development” and “citizen developer” reflect how modern technology is erasing boundaries between software engineers and users.

Development technology has evolved to a point where citizens can be data collectors of scientific studies. As part of the DIY movement, no code opens doors to smaller and less experienced teams impacting business in a way that achieves sustainability goals. No code programming leads to quicker development cycles with greater efficiency.


Conclusion

Ultimately, the direction of no code solutions points to broader digital empowerment for an organization. It lets you maximize the creativity of your workforce while adding diversity and flexibility. No code opportunities make the workplace more appealing to workers and more productive for employers. It creates conditions for tapping into software innovations that can disrupt and strengthen an industry.


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5 Key Take Aways CES
Events

5 Key Takeaways from CES 2022

The Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, was a massive global event for 2022. Products on the near horizon were explored, as well as associated technologies. This is an annual expo, and includes presenters of an international variety. Though health concerns mitigated the show in ways it has not been limited prior 2020’s ongoing unpleasantness, there were still some astonishing developments in 2022.


Key Takeaways

More than 40,000 individuals attended CES 2022 in person, and many thousands tuned in through varying digital avenues. Over 2,000 exhibitors and product launches were explored, and many innovations involved better versions of existing tech such as AI, VR, or robotics. Here we’ll explore five key takeaways:


1. The Metaverse: Everybody Wants a Piece

The “metaverse” is more than just Mark Zuckerberg’s desire for total social media dominance. It’s truly the “next big thing”, and it’s kind of already here. Remember how the internet was actually active in the eighties, but nobody knew about it in the mainstream until the nineties?

Well Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), cloud computing, edge computing, big data, and IoT are essentially the foundational elements of the metaverse. As you may have noticed, those things are already here. Also, none of those things even involve Facebook’s “Meta” transition, or the Oculus gaming and interface system.

What will likely develop is an increasing amount of realism in reference to varying “metaverse” technologies. An example might be how controllers for console gaming systems today vibrate, make sounds, and do additional things which pull the player deeper into the game.

Metaverse technology will essentially expand that trend. Accordingly, there are multiple opportunities for metaverse innovations, and companies are rushing to discover the “next big thing”, as it were, before it goes mainstream. Expect to see big metaverse developments in 2022.


2. Smart Glasses Could Take Off Like the iPad in 2022

Back in 2010, Apple’s announcement of the iPad, whether “accidental” or a ploy to drum up demand, resulted in most tech companies with the ability leaning into touchscreen tablet development. Suddenly, everybody had to have an iPad just like everybody had to have an iPhone and an iPod before. Generic tablet options became collaterally lucrative.

Well, Google Glass didn’t hit quite as hard upon its initial launch, but it’s expected that AR glasses–and some which may even feature both AR and VR capability–are going to hit big in 2022. CES 2022 was full of AR options from varying companies, and it’s to be expected that one of them will be “king of the mountain”, as it were, by years’ end.

TCL previewed an option in AR smart glasses, so also did Sony’s PlayStation through the VR 2. Mojo Vision showcased their options, and Qualcomm and Microsoft informed the world that they’d develop chips for AR glasses in the near future. Panasonic demonstrated a $900 VR headset also. Who will be the leading brand in 2022? Nobody knows yet, but expect to see more AR and VR gear in the next year.

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Watch the recording of our webinar "2022 Emerging Trends Edition", where an international panel of speakers covers some of the most important developments, innovations and trends in technology in 2022. 

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3. Expect Blockchain Tech to Truly go “Mainstream” in 2022

NFTs started getting big in 2021, generating millions in economic impact. As things like NFTs become more mainstream, they will result in an increase in blockchain tech, which enables them. Expect to see more interfaces that are rooted in blockchain develop through the next year. Cryptocurrency used in retail settings will be more common, and again, that means more blockchain applications.

By some estimates, NFT trading will double on itself in 2022. Integration for NFT tech will be included in things like smart screen TVs. Samsung’s “Gaming Hub” demonstrated this at CES 2022 directly.


4. NFTs Are Another Big Consideration of 2022 to Consider

While we’re on the subject of blockchain tech and NFTs, we might as well take a closer look at these “Non-Fungible Tokens”. If you’re not familiar, essentially, NFTs are unique digital assets that will ostensibly increase in value while being essentially irreplaceable. This will facilitate an entire digital ecosystem, and that system is primed for extensive growth through 2022.

Products designed specifically to display digital assets like NFTs, or conventional digital artwork, are going to become increasingly common. The blockchain certifies NFT ownership, so don’t be surprised if a future billionaire has a little IoT-enabled WiFi device that projects a futuristically-designed “Nyan Cat” on his or her desk.

NFTs now represent a sort of craze in society. They’re like their own unique cryptocurrencies to an extent; but only as far as blockchain tech is concerned. Brent Weinstein believes NFTs are not merely a trend. Weinstein is a partner and chief innovation officer with UTA. According to Weinstein, the NFT rush of 2021 has not moved on. Rather, he noted that there would be a “massively disruptive” impact on diverse media for many years as a result. Expect to see the seeds of that disruption sprout throughout 2022.


5. In the World of Gadgets, BMW Has a New Car That Changes Colors

Perhaps the most fun takeaway from 2022’s CES involves a simple car. You’ve likely heard about this innovation before, it was on display this year. BMW developed a color-changing car. You just touch a button and the whole color of the vehicle changes, it’s downright amazing.

To some, this may not seem that interesting, but it’s been a sci-fi convention for decades. Just to put it in perspective: the production crew on 1997’s The Fifth Element thought it was a neat touch to give Zorg’s secretary a little cosmetic device that allowed her to change the color of her fingernails instantaneously. The Fifth Element was set hundreds of years in the future. Less than a quarter of a century later, legitimate technology exists that can totally change the color of an entire car at the press of a button; let alone a measly fingernail.

BMW’s concept does have a limitation to spectrums of the monochromatic variety; black, white, gray, and any shade between those three. So the tech isn’t quite at the point where consumers would prefer it to be. That said, the tech will soon include other colors. Really, it’s an impressive innovation. If you’re interested, check out this video to see how flawless the tech BMW has developed is.


Informing Future Tech Innovations, Responses, and Infrastructure Through 2022

Informing what you invest in or plan for requires monitoring events like CES 2022. Whether you’re enchanted by cars that change colors at your command, NFTs becoming more mainstream, blockchain becoming more mainstream, the possibility of AR smart glasses taking off like a rocket, or the looming metaverse, there’s a lot to think about. Regardless what moves you, businesses are probably going to have to deal with all five of these things one way or another in the next year. These five takeaways to CES 2022 are worth keeping an eye on as you plan future business changes and investments over the next several years.


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Blockchain Technology
Blockchain

How Blockchain-as-a-Service Will Transform Business in 2022 and Beyond

A Transforming Financial and Technological World

Blockchain technology has taken the world by storm. It started out as, primarily, a means by which digital currencies could be protected in a decentralized way that allowed for reliable international use.

Now, blockchain tech is everywhere, and familiarity with it will be absolutely necessary for many businesses in 2022. Following, we’ll explore a few key ways you can expect blockchain tech to transform business in 2022, and after. Consider the following:


The BaaS Angle

Blockchain as a Service, or BaaS, is a third-party application of the tech distributed through cloud networks. Big players in BaaS tech include R3, Amazon, and Microsoft. Hosts can be built up based on the cloud, enabling operation of related secure functionality as regards blockchain applications.

This reduces associated technical issues. Overhead is cut back. If you go with BaaS, you can “outsource” the tech, rather than hosting and managing it internally. Many new cryptocurrencies are taking advantage of BaaS options.


NFTs and IoT Applications of Blockchain Tech

NFT stands for “Non-Fungible Token”. NFTs are kind of like unique digital memorabilia. NFTs have grown expansively, and the only way to track who owns what NFT with reliability that’s internationally secure is through blockchain technology.

Just to be clear: blockchain tech is essentially a non-alterable record of transactions, thus its security. With NFTs, there needs to be an apparatus like blockchain in place to facilitate their profitability.

As yet, total regulation and intervention protocols haven’t been outlined in a legal sense internationally.  NFTs represent a huge potential financial actor in the global economy, and took the world by storm at the start of 2021. Today, everybody knows about NFTs; but the details of what they are tend to be a bit more complicated. As the metaverse develops, digital assets of the NFT variety will likely be even more numerous.

Similarly, IoT has a lot of blockchain crossover owing to varying records and interactions created digitally and remotely, which require the creation of a digital “paper trail”, if you will. For example, imagine payment transfer between machines. Without blockchain tech, it’s hard if not impossible to determine what went where, and actual associated value. After all, a dollar today won’t be the same value as a dollar tomorrow. Imagine an NFT that’s a video of a linebacker making a famous tackle. Now imagine transferring that NFT from one device to another. IoT defines the device and transferral capability, blockchain tech assures the NFT is securely transferred in a way that’s legally recognizable.


An Extension of the “Boom” in the DeFi Market

De-Fi stands for “Decentralized Finance”. In the next ten years, you might do the totality of your banking from your computer or smartphone. DeFi makes that possible. Prior to blockchain, banks just updated records regarding digital transactions where physical currency had no need of physical exchange.

Blockchain kind of developed from this banking practice. As 2022 continues, this De-Fi mode of financial management will become more integral, and accordingly, blockchain technology will as well.


IoT, 5G, and Integration of Blockchain Tech

5G stands for “fifth generation” wireless technology. 5G refers to 5 Gigahertz WiFi tech; blockchain is involved in both. Because IoT is in drastic expansion, things like blockchain become essential to maintain records and ensure fewer issues define market shifts.

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Blockchain reduces a lot of 5G IoT difficulties, meaning it will be used to solve problems in 2022 as regards security going forward. Keep your “ear to the ground”, as the saying goes, regarding the implications and applications of blockchain and next-generation wireless tech.


Blockchain Innovation: 3rd and 4th Generation Features

Aion, EOS, and Cardano are examples of 3rd generation blockchain tech. New additions to blockchain functionality include tackle scaling and sharding. These reduce the cost of transactions and play into varying speed issues. New platforms utilizing blockchain will collaterally increase associated capabilities of the innovation. That’s on the “3rd generation” side of things.

When you get to “4th generation” blockchain tech, easier-to-consume options become available. Expedited formation, reconfiguration, and operation of business networks as regards blockchain implementation become possible. Onboarding becomes less difficult. A few fourth-generation blockchain platforms include Aergo and Insolar.

One of the most notable applications of 4th-generation blockchain tech is interfaces oriented to business needs, reducing the appearance of complexity defining this continuously developing tech.


Interoperability and Standardization of Blockchain Tech

Interoperability refers to multiple blockchains being able to communicate. Definitely, new blockchains are being developed with regularity. A lot of them operate in an isolated domain owing to unique needs of the platform their developers put together. Interoperational ability becomes increasingly necessary as a result.

Also, standardization becomes a concern. Transferring blockchain ledger entries requires a quick, reliable, secure interface between blockchains. Getting involved in standardization solutions as a business represents a strong move in the near future, if you can get the angle right. Just check out all the cryptocurrencies on Uphold or Coinbase for an idea of how many of these digital coins exist. New ones develop almost daily.


The Increasingly Present Metaverse and Blockchain Tech

Facebook has rebranded to “Meta”, and the implications of that are staggering. Beyond social media, the “metaverse”, composed of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) is becoming its own “animal”. To formalize metaverse applications, blockchain technology will be fundamentally necessary in 2022 and after.

Existing and new social media networks will be able to secure user information and initiate a safer interface experience. Just think about trading NFTs via VR. Blockchain is the only way to make something like that work in a viable way.


An Increased Demand for Industry-Related Crypto and Blockchain Abilities

As new cryptocurrencies develop in conjunction with NFTs and the metaverse, many different blockchains–some through BaaS options, others managed internally–will hit the market.

Enterprise use of blockchain will increase, as will SMB use of the tech for competitive viability. Being skilled in blockchain will represent a key factor in business hiring decisions in 2022 and beyond.


Familiarity with Advantages of 2022 Blockchain Tech Helps Businesses Benefit

BaaS applications have a lot of surprising potential. NFTs are a big mover and shaker in today’s currency economy, and IoT tech is similarly transforming the world; blockchain is increasingly core to either area of business.

Expect the DeFi market to see an extended boom, an increase in blockchain as regards 5G wireless tech, new features with subsequent blockchain generations, standardization of the tech, interoperability, unexpected metaverse applications, and a heightened demand for crypto and other industry-related blockchain applications.

If you have yet to properly explore how your business could make the best use of blockchain tech, it may be worthwhile to consult with the experts to see what potential there is for your operation.


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IoT Business Leads
Internet Of Things

Effective Ways to Qualify or Score IoT Business Leads

When it comes to IoT business, there are a lot of advantages that help sell the innovation. Many businesses have yet to make the transition, meaning there is a substantial sales "harvest" to be had. Projections have IoT devices outnumbering human beings on the planet 3 to 1 by 2024. Potential clients need the numbers on their side, and you need to be able to make a presentation that demonstrates value to those prospective clients. But if said clients aren't really qualified for your company, then your sales team will be "spinning their wheels.” They'll be expending energy on no good cause. So, what you want to do is teach your salespeople to qualify clients.

Here is a downloadable list of 42 questions that you can give salespeople. This will help them inquire in a general sense to help narrow down whether a prospective lead is one you should seek to convert to your services or not. To abbreviate the proper approach:

  • Create customer profiles
  • Properly assess customer needs
  • Determine how clients make their decisions
  • Outpace any potential competition


Customer Profiles 

Your IoT business is going to have a window of effectiveness. Certainly, even the smallest business can benefit from, say, a security system that is accessible from a smartphone. But you've got to know whether your IoT solutions are advantageous both ways for clients or not. At a certain level, providing services to clients even if they close will be too expensive for your company to profit. You need to find a way of disqualifying service based on this initially. From there, you narrow down profiles based on the kind of business involved, and whether you can actually provide them with value with your IoT solution or not. You can make a sale where value isn't provided, but that's a really long shot. You're more likely to sell to clients if you can directly demonstrate the savings and advantages of IoT. With a good customer profile, you can do this factually, which can be very convincing. Teach your team to create proper customer profiles and you'll likely see an increase in closures.


Assessing Customer Needs

Once you've managed to acquire some qualified customer profiles, you need to be able to accurately assess their needs. With IoT, infrastructure, production, distribution, and expansion costs can all be curtailed even as profitability takes a jump. But if you can't show the customer how this is specifically true in their case, then your sales presentation won't mean anything.


Determining How Clients Make Decisions

Your client profile should follow a transaction history for your prospective clients, especially the larger ones. Sometimes, the acquisition agent meets IoT providers like your business for information, then heads back to the home office to run the data by his higher-ups. Sometimes, acquisition agents buy on the spot if they like what they see. You need to know what regularly characterizes their decision-making process. With that information, you're likely to make more closures more successfully.


Outpacing Competition

If you've got competition, your salespeople need to be enabled to "scoop" them, as they say in journalism. A "scoop" is when a journalist gets a hot story before a bigger or different outlet and blasts it to the public preemptively. This gives that journalistic outlet an increase in readership, etc. Well, you need to know what your competition is offering, and you need to do it better. Include some flexibility in your IoT packages. Anticipate competition meeting prospective clientele prior to you and be willing to offer a diminished price or a more competitive package.


Expanding Sales

The IoT business is sensible and competitive today. In a few years, there will be three times as many IoT devices on the planet as people. In your home, this is already likely true. If you've got a laptop, a cellphone, and a smartwatch, there are three IoT devices against one you. When you consider networks, manufacturing, distribution, Big Data, and all the other potentialities realized via IoT, it's easy to see why streamlining client qualification processes is important. The harvest is ripe, and you want to reap as many plump clients as you can. So, qualify them for the picking!


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Green Technologies
Sustainability

Green Technologies for a Sustainable Future

Ever since the invention of electricity, we could create sustainable power. The invention of solar panels has led us to this point and will lead us into an age of even greater power. Discover the world of green technologies that will define the future of sustainability

Green technologies have helped spawn all kinds of businesses in recent years, and many more are cropping up every day. We've got companies selling solar energy systems, wind turbines, and energy-efficient products. Some are even selling services to help others become more sustainable.

Some businesses are even going green without being asked! One example would be Google, which has been making its data center infrastructure greener for quite some time now. In fact, the company has been investing around $100 million a year in renewable energy since 2010. Google also has a $1.5 billion investment fund that it uses to finance renewable energy projects worldwide.


Energy-Harvesting Sensors

Today, self-powered switches use sensors to detect changes in light levels or motion and convert this into an electrical current to power themselves. They have been designed to replace traditional switches, which require a constant supply of electricity from the primary power source to remain powered on.

Traditional switches often consist of two metal plates, which are connected by wires to an electricity source. When pressed by a finger or object, it breaks the circuit between the two metal plates, cutting off the flow of electricity. These self-powered switches have been designed to replace these traditional switches.


Energy Efficiency Sensors

With the right technologies, buildings can be built that are much more sustainable. IoT sensors that monitor things like humidity, temperature, and water flow can reduce the energy required to keep a building comfortable.

The IoT enables smart applications that can utilize the information generated by these objects to manage assets more efficiently, conserve resources and save money for the operators/owners/users.

Some examples include collecting data from sensors on a solar panel to optimize its performance-tracking usage patterns for energy conservation -monitoring a person's activity levels to alert them about health risks.

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Carbon Capture Storage

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a generic term for various technologies to reduce carbon dioxide (c02) emissions from point sources, such as power plants, industrial manufacturing facilities, and off-shore oil and gas extraction platforms.

The process involves separating the carbon dioxide from other waste gases, compressing the carbon dioxide, and either transporting it to a storage site or injecting it into a secure underground location where it cannot enter the atmosphere.

The purpose of CCS is to prevent emissions from reaching the atmosphere and contributing to climate change by either avoiding the release of all forms of carbon into the atmosphere or at least sequestering (i.e., capturing and storing) those carbon emissions that cannot be prevented from being released.


Remote Working

In the United States, approximately half of the total energy consumption comes from commercial buildings. More than one-third of that energy consumption is due to building operations (lighting, heating, cooling, etc.). Reducing energy consumption makes good economic sense by saving on energy costs and by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Incorporating more remote working into your company can lead to a more positive impact on your employees and the environment. By having more of your employees working remotely, you will be able to reduce carbon emissions, which will have a positive effect on our climate change crisis.
The idea of reducing our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels can make a huge difference in the future of our planet Earth.


Smart HVACs with IoT and AI sensors

With energy efficiency being a top priority, smart HVACs are gaining importance in the market. These smart HVAC systems take care of temperature control and air quality and provide security alarms, record activity, and provide other services, including home automation.

Many modern thermostats are connected to your Wi-Fi network, which means they're able to connect directly to the internet and draw data from smart devices like light bulbs or motion sensors.

And by using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, these thermostats can learn your preferences over time, so your home maintains the perfect temperature without you having to lift a finger.


Hydrogen Fueled Cars

Hydrogen-fueled cars can go up to 300 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, which only takes about five minutes to fill. Though they are similar in design to hybrid cars, they run on electricity generated by hydrogen fuel cells instead of gasoline engines. The fuel cell combines hydrogen from the tank with oxygen from the air to create electricity that powers the vehicle.

Unlike gasoline, which is burned and turned into carbon dioxide, hydrogen only produces water as its byproduct. This way, it's much better for the environment.

With the rise of the sustainability movement, people are becoming increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment. With this consciousness comes a need for innovations that will help keep our planet healthy. The above are just some of these innovations.


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