When Thomas Edison (well, not him, but he got the credit) invented the light bulb, he put a whole load of candlestick makers out of work. The light bulb was a disruptive technology. Similarly, gunpowder, the compass, the printing press, rail transport, the list is too long to mention, have all changed our world for the better…well, maybe not gunpowder.
While big, established firms tend to avoid innovation, smaller startups are chomping at the bit to introduce their new product to the market. This makes it difficult for a mainstream company to keep up-to-date and relevant.
In the beginning, disruptive technology poses no threat to established businesses, as it is usually a low cost, limited functionality product, aimed at customers who are looking for a satisfactory solution. But as demand increases, the product improves, adds features, and eventually forces the established businesses to adopt it, or fall by the wayside and support a niche market instead. Think Kodak and digital cameras.
Disruptive technology examples
Even Thomas Edison’s invention has been mostly replaced by LED lighting, and it goes to show that we keep moving forward. Here is a list of examples that have, in some way, rocked our worlds.
Smartphones
Robotic Process Automation
Next-generation Genomics
Energy Storage
Internet of Things (IoT)
Artificial intelligence
Virtual / Augmented Reality
How does Enterprise software-driven consulting work?
It is absolutely essential that companies have a strong understanding of disruptive technology trends and the ever-changing backdrop of regulatory and business models. It takes a special focus on these just to keep up to date and relevant. However, most businesses only hear about trends and changes a long time after they have come into effect, unless their fingers are on the pulse of leading technology. It’s like having to watch a bank of televisions to find the one piece of news you want. That’s where consulting comes in.
With a team of highly experienced software engineers, trained in different disciplines, and working together, the consulting firm takes the heat from the client and concentrates on making sure everything is running smoothly, while anticipating changes and adjustments to the system, all from a remote location.
A good consultancy firm can bridge the communications gap between tech-speak and business lingo, enabling the client to better understand and feel more in control of their future. They must be capable of taking an advisory role, informing the client of alternative solutions to issues, adding value to their position.
How Enterprise software-driven consulting can help
The prime reason for using a consulting firm is to save time and money. It sounds a little counterintuitive, but it isn’t. Having a software team on standby, ready to throw their vast amount of knowledge and industry experience at any issue, is a genuine benefit. The strength of end-to-end support, coupled with a comprehensive vision of the market, can truly help to merge technology and business into one smooth operation that will continue to remain at the forefront of business. In doing so, productivity at work will increase, as potential downtime issues will be resolved swiftly and easily.
Disruptive technology and new trends can be disastrous for any business. A software-driven consulting firm will provide the perfect safety net.