Wearable Technology is Here to Stay for Both Personal and Professional
Wearable technology is here to stay. There has been an ever-increasing role in the technology in our personal and business worlds in recent years, and that number is expected to continue to grow as further technologies embrace the trend.
The growth of this market is expected to reach 411 million smart wearable devices, worth $34B by 2020, according to Forbes Magazine.
Wearables can mean many things. It really is as simple as it sounds, but from the technical side of things, it’s an object worn on the body that is embedded with a software or sensors which enable an exchange of data with a manufacturer, the operator or other connected devices, with or without human intervention.
So how can it help you? We take a look at some places where you might find these solutions, and where we expect it to go in the future.
Work spaces
Zebra Technologies, a Nova Communications partner, has made the shift to wearable technology, and with great results. A lot of this focus is in the consumer world – retailers, packaged goods manufacturers, and supply chain partners in transportation and warehousing.
With Zebra’s wearables – which include computers, ring scanners and headsets – productivity and efficiency in the workplace has exceled, and workplace errors have dropped 39 per cent.
According to Forbes Magazines, companies who have equipped its employees with wearable technology reported an 8.5 per cent increase in productivity and 3.5 per cent increase in job satisfaction. Zebra, however, has seen an increase in production of 13 per cent.
What does this mean for you? It’s simple, really. With these numbers, companies are seeing less down time and results-driven benefits. In the world of consumer demand, and the challenges that come with it, this means faster shipping times, streamlined processes and happy customers at the end of the day.
In the two way radio business, wearable accessories are making communication with the technology that much easier. From headsets by Peltor, which have the two way radio built into the device, along with Bluetooth push-to-talk earpieces, two way radios have the ability to be a hands-free technology in the workplace.
This, of course, enables productivity and efficiency in all levels of business using the technology, while keeping safety and communication top of mind.
Consumer Spaces
The consumer is part of the expansive growth of this technology. In fact, the breadth of devices possible has continued to grow and now includes items such as watches, glasses, fitness and health and even jewelry!
These items are doing everything from answering your text messages, to tracking your heart rate and daily steps and as these devices get “smarter”, the consumer market is expected to grow.
The Crossover
A number of work environments are seeing an uptake in wearable technology from both a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, to some companies providing employees with devices like FitBits, which provide real-time access to health information on their workers.
In fact, according to Forbes magazine, companies are testing wearables in basic use cases, including workplace security (23%), time management (20%) and communication (20%).
Where It’s Heading
Soon, wearables will become an everyday facet of our lives – both personal and professional. Prospects include literal wearable solutions like advancements in clothing, along with augmented reality options that will take the world by storm. Time will tell what will stick, but the technology itself is sure to be around, and continue to advance, for years to come.
How can wearable technology work for you and your business? You may be surprised to find solutions that would complement your needs – from Zebra Technologies, cellular, two way radio accessories and so much more.
With more than 30 years in the business, Nova Communications has the knowledge to help you decide what can increase your team efficiency and productivity.
Want to learn more? Contact us today for more information.
//
hbspt.cta.load(214284, ‘958686c2-a815-4afa-a0fc-91943859fb8d’, {});
//