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Digital tools have made team collaboration easier and more effective for many years, but emerging technologies are reshaping and innovating that experience. Whether it’s a more secure, immersive, or interactive experience, here’s how tech innovations are enhancing teamwork across various industries.
1. Tailored software solutions
For decades, software was built with a one-size-fits-all approach, and for the most part, it got the job done. Companies needing custom solutions either developed their own applications or hired developers to modify open source applications. While effective, this approach came with steep costs to the company. Finally, the game has changed.
Today’s marketplace is flooded with software solutions tailor-made to solve specific challenges in a variety of industries, making solutions more affordable and accessible without the need for custom development. For example, marketing agencies previously relied on generic customer relationship management (CRM) software alongside a handful of additional apps for managing teams, projects, and financials.
Now agencies are using specialized partner marketing software, which combines the power of a CRM with additional features specifically designed to meet the unique needs of agencies. For instance, it allows agencies to manage complex operations, manage specialized roles, ensure team cohesion, assign top talent to specific projects, and optimize resource usage. This software isn’t a custom build made by one agency – it’s available to anyone.
2. Generative artificial intelligence (AI)
AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are improving team collaboration in a roundabout way. Many companies that use generative AI for customer service are starting to implement the same technology to create a support interface for employees. It works the same way. Employees can chat with a bot to get answers and support, and the bot will generate human-like responses and provide links to relevant resources.
By using generative AI, these chatbots can help employees obtain information quickly so they don’t have to send out a bunch of emails while hoping someone responds. Team collaboration depends on each person completing individual tasks, and it’s not uncommon for teams to get stuck waiting on one person’s late deliverables. Often, team members are stuck because they need information or files they can’t find. The more dependencies there are, the harder those waiting times hit. Using generative AI to produce immediate support 24/7 for teams is a game changer in this regard.
3. Real-time translation
Another way AI is supporting team collaboration is by powering real-time language translation. This feature comes with the new Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhone devices, but it’s also being used in corporate settings.
AI-powered real-time language translation is especially useful for remote teams who rely heavily on digital tech tools to collaborate. It eliminates the need for anyone to manually translate text-based communications, but the live translation of audio calls is by far the best use of this technology.
4. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
Virtual reality and augmented reality are being used to create immersive, dynamic remote collaboration experiences. Now, instead of just using video conferencing to host meetings, companies are connecting through virtual environments. Having a virtual avatar in a meeting makes the whole experience more interesting with 360-degree cameras and real-time interactions.
Some companies are innovating with this technology to make it possible for people to attend virtual networking events, where everyone has an avatar that can walk, sit, speak, and send text messages. While this technology is still new, it’s not yet known exactly how it will impact productivity, but people who have tested this tech say it’s top-notch.
5. Blockchain
Blockchain technology is a popular choice for maintaining data security among teams. Blockchain is tamper-proof and verifiable. Each data entry gets encrypted and linked to the previous entry, creating a chain that is hard to alter.
The benefits of blockchain for security are having transparent collaboration records, since all changes and contributions are recorded in an immutable ledger. This level of transparency fosters trust among team members and establishes a clear audit trail.
6. VR and AR for prototyping
Prototypes are another way virtual reality and augmented reality are being used for collaboration. Teams can use VR or AR to create 3D models of projects and get real-time feedback from others. This allows for faster development cycles and a better end product.
The future of collaboration will evolve with technology
Collaboration will continue to become more effective as technology advances. By embracing new tech trends and innovative tools, teams will be prepared to meet tough challenges with confidence, while working more effectively than ever before.
