Communication Technologies: Reshaping the World of Work

Technology impacts our daily lives. Most of us can't even go a day without our mobile devices.Technology has impacted our daily lives enormously, so how has it impacted businesses and organizations? Advancement in technologies have helped businesses and organizations save time and cost of production. Since information travels much faster, barriers of distance have vanished. Businesses can communicate with suppliers and employees even if they are halfway across the world. Being familiar with the different technologies available to us today can help you be successful in today's digital workplace. 

Handheld Wireless Devices and Multi-functional Devices

In the new millennium, it is very difficult to find someone without some sort of handheld wireless device. A handheld wireless device is a small computing device which displays a screen that is either touch and/or a keyboard. Examples of handheld devices are, smart phones, iPad, PDA devices and much more. 

Handheld devices are lightweight and because of the advancement in technology we are able to check e-mails and browse the web ANYWHERE and ANYTIME. All one needs is a wireless network such as Local area network (LAN), Metropolitan area network (MAN), Wide area network (WAN) etc. Wireless network has allowed people with the option to work from home and has created the concept of open office. 

  

Multi-functional devices combine e-mail, fax, photocopier, printer and scanner into one machine. Offices are changing form a "print and distribute" environment to a "distribute and print" environment. Some security measures are put into place to prevent data from being captured, shared and edited. A few are, pass codes and  thumbprint scanning. 

There are many advantages of multi-functional printers such as:

•  Convenience- All- in-one
• Space Saving
• Cost Saving
• Power Saving

However, one of the biggest disadvantages of a multi functional device is if a problem occurs all features may fail.

Food for Thought:

Do you think handheld devices benefit businesses?

References: 

Bremer, Marco. ( February 8, 2015). Advantages and Disadvantages of Handheld Devices. Retrieved from: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-advantages-of-using-mobile-handheld-devices-What-are-the-disadvantages

Guffey, M.E, Lowey, D., Rhodes, K. and P. Rogin. (2013). Business Communication: Process & Product. Fourth Brief Canadian Edition. Toronto, Canada:Nelson Education. 

 Orth, Mindi. (n.d.). Advantages of Multi function Printers. Retrieved from: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-multifunction-printers-27357.html

Voice Recognition and Electronic Presentations

Wouldn't it be so much easier to speak what you need to write rather than typing it?

Voice recognition is the process where one simply talks to the computer through a microphone that is attached to the computing device,and your words appear on the screen. Speech recognition is not new technology, but has been around for decades and has become increasingly popular over the past few years.

 Voice recognition has many benefits especially for those who are dyslexic or have a disability. Also, documents, memos, and reports can easily be spoken instead of typing, leaving the hands free to complete other tasks. Speech recognition can handle around 120 words per minute with accuracy. Even editing can be done through the use of voice recognition programs.

Voice recognition is a great way to increase productivity as well as giving individuals with disabilities a new way to work and interact.

Electronic presentations like PowerPoint, Microsoft Word and Excel are projected from a computer and can be posted online for employees to view, as opposed to handing out a hard copy to the audience. Electronic presentations is a easy and quick way to organize information and ideas. Presentations can include:

• video
• Audio
• Pictures
• Animations/Transitions
• Hyperlinks
• Sound effects

Here is an example on how to create an effective and creative presentation:

                               

Food For Thought:

What are other benefits of voice recognition systems? 

What are other features you can add to a presentation to make it more creative and eye-catching?

References:

n.d. The Benefits of Voice Activated Software and Voice Recognition. Retrieved by: http://www.em-t.com/articles/benefits-voice-activated-software-and-voice-recognition

Boundless. (December, 2015).The Advantages and Disadvantages of PowerPoint. Retrieved from: https://www.boundless.com/communications/textbooks/boundless-communications-textbook/preparing-and-using-visual-aids-16/using-powerpoint-and-alternatives-successfully-85/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-powerpoint-323-5654/

Wienot Films. (May 9,2011). How to Given an Awesome (PowerPoint) Presentation. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/i68a6M5FFBc

Videoconferencing

Videoconferencing is a two-way interactive communication by a set of telecommunication technologies such as telephone or internet technologies. Video conference can be between two individuals or involve hundreds of participants. A basic video conference is very easy to setup as one only needs a camera and a microphone.

What is Videoconferencing Used for?

Videoconferencing is used for many reasons. However, today the top five applications in which videoconferencing is used for are:

• Training
• Manufacturing, production or engineering 
• Sales
• Marketing
• Management Meetings

Training

New employees no longer need to travel to receive training. Also, trainers are able to train multiple students at once. 

Manufacturing, production or engineering

In the past, products were designed, manufactured and produced without video. For engineers, whenever a problem occurred they will need to travel to the location to fix the problem. Travel could be just a couple of hours or take days. Thus, wasting time and causing long delays due to the need of engineers travelling between sites for repairs.  

Sales

With videoconferencing, businesses can communicate with their customers, train sales people and close business more quickly.

Marketing

Videoconferencing has allowed marketing departments to share creative ideas more quickly and with a larger group of individuals. It has also allowed marketing organizations to make decisions faster and more efficiently. 

Management Meetings

Board meetings, town hall meetings and investor relations meetings can be held through videoconferencing. Videos can be recorded and made available to those who may have missed the meeting.  

Benefits of Videoconferencing

Many organizations first thought the major benefit of videoconferencing was the reduction in travel costs. However, there are many qualitative benefits. A few are:

Increased productivity and efficiency

• shorter meetings
• faster decision making
• reduced travel expenses
• larger participation
• faster response
• Receive information anywhere and anytime

Improved Management Communication

• Increased flexibility
• More interface 
• Interview job candidates

More business Opportunities

• Customer service
• Competitive advantage

Over the years, videoconferencing has grown and business have found their own unique ways to use video to increase productivity and efficiency. 

Food for Thought:
How important and effective is video conferencing for businesses today? 

References:
The University of Lowa.(n.d.).  Video Conferencing. Retreived from: http://its.uiowa.edu/support/article/100451#setup

Earon, Ann.(2014). The Real Business Benefits of Video Conferencing. Retrieved from: https://www.lifesize.com/~/media/Documents/Related%20Resources/White%20Papers/The%20Real%20Business%20Benefits%20of%20Video%20Conferencing.ashx