In the digital age, it is easy to get swept up in the next big thing and today’s buzzwords. However, there are many technologies that have flown under the radar, but have significant benefits. So, let’s take a look at some of these underrated technologies.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
Put simply, OCR uses a lens to capture an image, and then extracts the characters from the image. The extracted data is then transformed into a machine readable format. OCR can be programmed to extract characters in different scenarios, depending on the application. For example, whilst most documents might be black and white, OCR is commonly used for online live casino UK to capture the results of live table games like blackjack, poker, and roulette, which can then be displayed on screen and stored for analysis. Here, the characters could be white numbers on a roulette wheel with red, black, or green backgrounds, or cards ranging from ace to king of different suits.
With this in mind, OCR can be applied to a wide range of different business processes, as the program can be tailored to suit the different images the system will deal with. This means that OCR can be used to read number plates in large office buildings, and also automate parcel sorting in warehouses. At a smaller level, it can be used to match physical invoices against digital receipts. Many OCR systems can also recognize handwriting, providing further automation potential for logistics, postal services, and administration efforts.
Data Management Technology
It might go without saying that data collection is becoming more and more prevalent. Without this data, we wouldn’t see the technological transformations of digital marketing, machine learning, and AI. However, it is incredibly important to make sure that your data is managed effectively. Despite that, one survey found that 82% of people feel that data governance policies are the top challenge of data management, whilst 76% find it difficult to understand their data, and 80% struggle to catalog it efficiently.
This is where data management technology comes in – the unsung hero behind many of modern businesses’ essential processes. Data management technology can be customized depending on your business’ needs – from automated filing systems to inbuilt storage policies that adhere to regulations, and quick analytics that makes data easy to understand. With this, businesses can ensure that they follow data governance policies and get the most out of their data.
Digital Whiteboards
Back in the day, teams would get together around a whiteboard, flipchart, or even a chalkboard to hash out ideas. Today, these tools are a rarity in modern offices, giving way to cloud-based tools. That said, collaboration is still as important – it can reduce turnover, increase morale, improve satisfaction, and boost innovation.
Whilst online communication tools have seen a rise in popularity, collaboration tools haven’t had the same press. You can even find collaborative tools like whiteboards and shared notepads in common office programs such as Microsoft, which can be pinned to specific channels for more collaborative ideation and problem solving. And there you have it – just a few underrated technologies that can leverage real benefits for businesses. Though they might get overlooked, their impact is too tangible to ignore.
