Technology has a broad definition – it’s the application of scientific knowledge to practical aims. This includes the development and use of tools, devices, systems and methods – and ultimately to the changing and manipulation of the human environment. The word is so widely used in our daily lives that it’s easy to forget just how many different things are actually considered to be technology. Gadgets such as mobile phones, the internet and computers fall into this category but for an organisational or business point of view, it is more common to think of technologies such as telemedicine, cloud storage or a new type of drone that can cut grass.
Technology is also a crucial tool to businesses, allowing them to grow and compete in the global marketplace. It helps to improve productivity and allows for greater access to information, but it can also blur the line between work and home life, which is a cause of stress in some people.
One of the most important aspects of technology is the ability to communicate at a fast pace. This is made possible by telecommunications technology such as the internet, which allows you to stay in touch with colleagues and clients from anywhere in the world. It also makes it much easier to share large files, such as video presentations and spreadsheets.
Other essential areas of technology are those that help us in our daily lives, such as health. We now have much better medicines and medical procedures, as well as a better understanding of our own bodies. It has also helped to increase our average lifespan, with many of the illnesses that used to be fatal now having a cure.
Technology also plays a vital role in the way we entertain ourselves, allowing us to watch our favourite shows and movies on demand, or play games online with friends, or even visit virtual worlds. It has also changed the way we learn – no longer is it just sitting in a classroom listening to a teacher. We now have interactive e-learning courses, online tutorials and virtual and augmented reality that can help us to develop skills from home.
Technology has been responsible for the digitisation and modernisation of all industries. This has made it much more efficient to operate a company as you can do everything from accounting and marketing from one central location. It has also allowed companies to take on more customers as they can reach them at a more cost-effective price. In addition, it has made collaborating with other companies easier as many business software packages come with open APIs. This means that you can integrate with other software programs and easily share documents. It has also enabled businesses to make big decisions faster as they have access to a huge amount of data at their fingertips. This information can be analysed and compared with historical data, which is very useful for making strategic decisions for the future of the company.
