The pandemic accelerated the adoption of innovative technologies as people had to adjust to the new normal way of doing things. These innovations allowed businesses to stay afloat amid the challenges they faced during the health crisis.
Technology also allowed businesses to keep their customers and employees safe from the virus that affected the whole world. Many of these innovative technologies will stay even after the pandemic ends. Here are the ways innovative technologies helped businesses during the health crisis.
Use of QR Codes for Safety
When the pandemic started, restaurants across the country struggled after people stayed home to avoid getting infected. Even though people had limited knowledge about the virus, restaurants had to implement measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
One of the measures that these establishments implemented was using quick response (QR) codes to replace facilitate purchases by their customers. The QR codes allowed customers to bring up the menu on their smartphones, order dishes, and pay for their purchases. These activities allowed customers to avoid interacting with someone who’s not a part of their household.
Aside from being convenient, the measure also allowed customers to stay safe while eating at the restaurant. But there was a trade-off since some systems allowed restaurants to retain information about the customers’ buying patterns. Despite this concern, restaurants continued using the technology since it allowed them to adjust their menu based on the information about their customers’ orders.
Apps to Increase Convenience
Technology also saw the increasing usage of apps that made staying home relaxing and less stressful. Some of these apps allowed people to start an exercise routine in the comfort of their homes. Others helped people improve their mental health after the situation increased the stress they felt while staying home.
Some apps also allowed people to shop without leaving their homes. Personal service apps also allow people to get support from others by having items delivered to them on demand. Property owners also turned to real estate apps to connect with potential buyers for their properties.
The increasing number of cases compelled them to use apps to avoid mingling with people they did not know. The apps also allowed them to forego advertising on several online platforms to promote their properties to interested buyers. These apps made it convenient for people to perform activities in the comfort of their homes.
Disinfecting with UVC Light
The virus behind the pandemic is susceptible to ultraviolet-C (UVC) light, which hospitals have been using for a long time. When the pandemic started, a lot of indoor establishments started using UVC lights to disinfect their premises. Gyms, movie theaters, and airports started installing UVC light fixtures in different areas to stop the spread of the virus.
Its germicidal properties make them ideal tools to fight the virus both in the air and on different surfaces in these establishments. UVC light fixtures are also used to disinfect airplanes in between trips. Airlines use robots equipped with UVC lights.
They can kill different types of germs and bacteria when they are installed properly. Some stores even install them on escalator handrails to kill the virus. And it appears these establishments will continue using the technology even after everything goes back to normal.
Increasing Use of Contactless Delivery Systems
Contactless delivery systems saw wide adoption among many businesses as concerns about the virus increased. Even though the system existed before the pandemic, the crisis saw an increase in its uses as people opted to avoid dealing with other people at the height of the pandemic.
Many businesses started to offer the service and have become a part of the new normal. Some businesses also offer drop-off delivery services to reduce physical contact between the customer and the delivery personnel. Some startups are also studying the possibility of using artificial intelligence and robotics to improve these systems.
Remote Work Arrangement to Limit Contact
Remote work arrangements are among the biggest changes that businesses implemented during the pandemic. Existing technology made these arrangements possible. Aside from the fast internet connection offered by 5G technology, videoconferencing software also allowed people to talk with their colleagues even if they did not stay in the same location.
Cloud technology also allowed them to work on projects even though they were working from home. Additionally, screen-sharing technology allowed colleagues to discuss their work with other people who lived in a different city or state. Remote work arrangements allowed businesses to keep their employees safe from the virus at the height of the pandemic.
Technology played a significant role in the growth of many businesses even as the pandemic compelled the authorities to implement restrictions and lockdowns across the country.
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