Global trade began on the backs of horses and camels, glided across oceans on ships, and ran across continents on the railroad before hitching a ride through the sky on airplanes. But today, we can communicate globally at any time, without ever leaving our home office.
Technology is changing—are you keeping up? Let’s take a look at a few of the ways modern tech has upended cross-country business.
Eased Telecommunication
Ten years ago, when the New York office had to meet with the South Korea office, it involved an expensive, week-long journey. But now, the only decision that is necessary is if the call will be early in the morning or late at night! High definition face-to-face video calling has all but removed the need for travel.
Beyond video calling and office meetings, the eased telecommunication has had wide-reaching implications for other fields, such as shipping. Managing drivers on the ground and getting real-time updates of their movement is easier than ever, thanks to advances in radio and satellite technology and high-quality radio products distributed through sellers like Moonraker UK.
If managing all aspects of business is possible from a single room, why ever leave?
3-D Printing
There is an ongoing debate about how 3-D printing will change the global trade scene. On the one hand, one can share ideas instantly, and it is possible to take a prototype designed on one continent and print and tinker with it on another.
But when competition enters the field, it is far easier to remain insular and create complex designs without the need for prohibitively expensive equipment. Will smaller businesses use 3-D printing to their advantage, or will the mega-corporations overproduce?
Only time will tell if 3-D printing encourages new and bold designs or merely allows shoddy craftsmanship on a broader scale.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is already in use worldwide, managing traffic at international ports, completing trades across languages and markets, and even building our phones.
There is a real worry that eventually, artificial intelligence will replace human jobs without spreading any of the new wealth. Until there is redistribution of the money saved by replacing humans with robots back into the community, the backlash will be swift.
Successful AI works in tandem with humans to speed production, not as a total replacement.
Drones
Drones are more than devices to watch your head for while walking in the park. For years now, militaries across the world have been using driverless advanced drones for international spying. Competition faces challenges like never before when even distant corporate and industrial secrets become fair game.
Drones are also in the beta phase of delivering products to consumers. The company that perfects that technology will have a hold on the market. Whoever designs the 20-minute delivery drone will change how the world thinks about trade.
Virtual Reality
Start thinking beyond mockups, prototypes, and wireframes — the future will give you a fully immersive experience before you even move into production.
Interested in designing a new assembly line for the factory? Experience it in VR first! Curious how users will interact with your product? Let them try it out without wasting money on expensive materials.
VR is already part of various training programs internationally. Record a detailed training program once, and employees can follow along and learn the steps in real-time. If you need an update, just record more VR footage and send it across the world. There is no more need to send delegates across oceans.
Conclusion
The truth is, all of these technologies are already here. Over time, they will only become more advanced and honed.
Whether these changes will stick around or if the drive for in-person connection will overcome this continued online globalization is something we can only wait to see.
The most important question is — are you ready?
