Smartphones have made a significant difference in our lives throughout time, and none of us can imagine life without one.
Wearable technology is also ready to follow in the footsteps of smartphones in terms of influence on people's lives.
As more and more users receive information via the internet and mobile devices, small business counsel increasingly emphasizes the need to have a user-friendly website and become mobile.
As the Internet of Things (IoT) and linked gadgets continue to dominate tech news, a new dilemma for entrepreneurs arises: should we adopt wearable technology in small businesses?
WHAT IS WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY?
Wearable technology, often known as "wearables", or “wearable devices”, is a class of electronic devices that may be worn as accessories, embedded in garments, implanted in the body, or even tattooed on the skin.
It's a catch-all word for a range of gadgets meant to be worn all day, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches.
Wearable devices have grown in popularity in recent years, although the underlying concept is not new. If you've ever worn a wristwatch, for example, you've already utilized a basic type of wearable.
Wearable technology may now be linked to your existing devices, such as laptops and smartphones, allowing them to perform a variety of tasks using the internet.
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SHOULD YOU INCORPORATE WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY INTO YOUR SMALL BUSINESS?
As wearable technology evolves, choosing whether to include wearable technology in your small business plan needs extensive research and consideration.
Consider these three incentives that commonly encourage small firms to embrace wearable technology to assist you in navigating this decision.
Provide access across a variety of platforms.
Extending an online and/or mobile presence to wearables allows a firm to engage with an audience who dislikes being chained to a computer or mobile phone.
Customers can interact with a firm in new ways using a wearable application for an existing device, such as the Apple Watch or Android Wear.
Medisafe, for example, a company that encourages patients to take their meds as recommended, opted to include a wearable application with reminders and notifications.
Users may keep track of their meds in a virtual pillbox and set reminders so they don't forget to take them.
Medisafe's wearable app allows the organization to better communicate with its customers. With a wearable device, Medisafe's overall aim of ensuring medication adherence becomes easier and more convenient.
Increase workplace productivity and efficiency.
As enterprise mobile apps grew more prevalent, the focus of wearable devices shifted to include business applications, eventually forming a distinct niche known as wearable business apps.
The recent inflow of wearable technology into the business sector was anticipated as a way to boost office productivity and general efficiency.
Wearable technology helps salespeople in the retail business to have fast access to information such as technical specifications or price. They can ask management or other departments for assistance while keeping their hands free.
Thanks to wearable technology, employees may be unattached from their desks while still keeping a finger on the pulse of their company.
Smart watches, for example, provide access to a calendar and reminders for appointments.
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Wearable technology, unlike mobile phones and tablets, provides a lot of the same information and functionality while freeing up your hands to do other things.
Wearable technology has already made an effect in the field service business, with personnel wearing wearable cameras while on the job.
Wearable "smart glasses" enable many of today's top field enterprises to address problems faster, saving millions of dollars.
Other sectors are incorporating some of the most popular wearable devices, such as those used to view inside patients' veins.
Workers in the construction industry are able to see into pipelines and walls thanks to this wearable device.
Increase small business competitiveness
In addition to improving the customer experience and making firms more efficient, wearable technology is opening up new business opportunities.
Naturally, many smaller businesses are at a disadvantage when compared to their larger competitors.
On the plus side, small businesses generally have more leeway when it comes to trying out new technologies, and wearables might be the perfect match.
Wearable technology makes it easier for digital marketers to acquire data on customer buying patterns and location.
Enterprises will, hence, be required to build app software for new systems, and manual workers will be required to manufacture whole new items as a result of the introduction of new wearable devices.
Wearables, when used appropriately, can provide some real benefits, giving small firms an advantage over bigger enterprises that may take years to completely implement wearable technology.
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CONCLUSION
Small businesses that incorporate wearable technology into their business plans may profit from the new technology's enthusiasm and untapped possibilities.
Wearable technology not only gives users another way to access services and connect with businesses, but it also helps businesses to improve their offerings.
You are always linked to a wearable device, which eliminates the need to check your phone every now and then. Furthermore, this constant live connection will allow for increased interaction and engagement, which will result in additional business insights and possibilities.
Brands that want to be competitive in the future need to plan for the next generation of wearable technology and develop strategies to maximize their value for both staff and customers.
Want to build your own wearable app or wearable business platform to outperform your competitors in the market? Contact us now!
