Tech developments and evolution are fundamental parts of business growth, helping enterprises deliver better experiences to their customers, as well as improve their products and services. The use of core tech solutions helps companies become more efficient and better prepared to handle the intricacies and the changeable nature of the competitive business environment. But what exactly are these technologies, and how are they changing and improving the business landscape?
Mechanical technology
Arguably, the most fundamental part of tech is mechanical technologies, which use mechanical engineering principles to design, test, and operate equipment and machinery. Software is also naturally used to boost manufacturing processes and develop improved designs. For instance, 3D models can be created and reproduced in real-world assembly lines. Tools can also be used to measure the precise dimensions of the plans and compare them to the original plans. Engineers collaborate to ensure that dimensions are accurate, guarantee efficiency, and ensure the least amount of resources is used.
Electronic systems
All companies use electronic systems, with computers a staple in all business environments and niches. Sometimes, telephones are also used, although many businesses don’t deem them safe enough. New systems, such as artificial intelligence and the blockchain, whose use cases extend far beyond learning about the latest Bitcoin price, are steadily integrated into businesses as well. However, it will still be a while until they are implemented on a wide scale. Electronic systems also control the temperature inside buildings and are responsible for data storage, a crucial thing in today’s business landscape. Any infringement on the integrity of a company’s private data has the potential to destroy a business’s credibility for good.
Materials technology
Materials technology is the tech dealing with producing, combining and altering different materials. It also examines the structural properties of a material to determine how it can be used and includes all the materials you can think of, from plastic and metal to ceramics, wood, paper and so on. Annealing, the special heat treatment meant to alter the chemical and physical properties of metals, is part of this technological process. It increases elasticity and diminishes hardness and inflexibility to make metals more workable.
The lifecycle of the materials, managing their transport in the supply chains and measuring their effects on the environment is also part of materials technology. Recently, nanomaterials have started to emerge on the market and be integrated as part of commodities as well. They can be added to cloth, electronics and cement to improve strength without adding weight, as well as in environmental remediation as a means to offset toxins.
Structural technology
In simple terms, structural technology refers to placing different materials together in order to create functional shapes. Structural technology is used for a wide range of activities, from the simple and straightforward, like adding legs to a table and chair, but was also a fundamental part of the creation of historical engineering achievements like the Eiffel Tower or the Roman aqueducts. Roadways require structural technology as well, as part of the development, support and the later maintenance. The aim is to ensure the structures last longer, are more stable, and can fulfill their purposes more efficiently. All infrastructure requires this tech as part of its enhancement. Satellite antennas, airplane wings, bridges and storm strains are built based on the principles of structural technology as well.
Thermal technology
As the name suggests, thermal technology deals with heat energy and its production, storage and transmission. It is part of everyday objects and appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, engines and heat pumps, as well as a fundamental principle of power plants. All devices need some form of fuel or energy in order to operate. As the world is moving towards sustainability, there’s been an increasing push toward clean and renewable energy sources that can replace fossil fuels. Solar energy is the most popular due to its wide availability. Wind and hydropower can also be employed, while geothermal energy is restricted to narrower areas and countries.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology uses biology to solve issues and create valuable products. It can also alter organisms and make it easier for them to adapt to different external factors, as well as refashion them to fit a desired outcome. Agriculture is the sector that benefits most from biotech. Genetic modification, once an almost universal bogeyman, has become a much more nuanced technology in the past few years, with the general public becoming aware of its advantages when used correctly and responsibly. The genetic modification of plants deals with specific DNA strains in order to create new characteristics. All it takes is altering the genome, and plants can grow faster and become more resistant to disease or pests. This is a crucial step in the fight against world hunger and global food insecurity.
Optical technology
Optical tech is used to produce and control light. It is also involved in the way light is used as part of communication, storage, information processing and collection. The chief representatives are light bulbs, which allow workers from all over the world to carry on with their jobs and complete their daily tasks. LED lenses are also used to magnify or reduce vision and are employed for specific tasks in which plain and unassisted human vision is not enough. Some of the more obscure uses include the instruments and tools used in laser surgery or fiber-optic communication. Tools that use lasers to cut materials and speed detectors require optical technology as well. Any system that involves the transmission, modification and detection of light to ensure information transfers will need this tech.
Technological processes include a wide range of actions and tasks. Some are more straightforward, while others are complex and require profound expertise. Most importantly, they’re an integral part of daily life as they create the products and services the general public is familiar with, from supply chains to manufacturing, construction materials and data centers; all systems use technology to go further.
Bob Duncan is the lead writer and partner on ConversationsWithBianca.com. A passionate parent, he’s always excited to dive into the conversation about anything from parenting, food & drink, travel, to gifts & more!