Appalachia Technologies Blog

We live in a world where possibilities are endless. From automated cars ferrying passengers to AI systems carrying out surgeries, tech innovations are quickly taking over our lives. The world of business is no different. Machine learning, AI, robotics and automation tools promise an unparalleled level of business efficiency.

Many businesses are rushing to embrace these innovations because they fear being left behind. However, the critical question is: Do you fully understand the technology, including its potential negative consequences?

All evolving technologies come with underlying risks. In this blog, we’ll discuss the dangers of rapid tech acceleration. We’ll also show you how to develop a strategic approach to ensure your technology investments push your business forward while minimizing the associated risks.              

Potential risks of tech acceleration

Here are some of the potential risks associated with rapid tech acceleration:

Security vulnerabilities: Advanced technologies are still nascent and often come with several undetected security flaws. Hackers can exploit these weaknesses to steal your data or launch a cyberattack.

Pro tip: Make security assessments a standard practice before implementing a new IT solution.

Operational disruptions: Hastily implementing new technology can affect your day-to-day operations. Issues like system malfunction, data loss and employees struggling to adapt to new solutions can adversely impact your productivity and efficiency.

Pro tip:  It would be prudent to implement tech upgrades in phases. Testing it first within a small team will help you identify and fix issues without disrupting daily operations.

Skill gaps: Using a new IT tool requires new skills. But if your team isn’t well trained, they won’t be able to leverage the latest technology effectively. Untrained teams are bound to make more mistakes, which could reduce overall productivity.

Pro tip: Investing in employee training modules will ensure they have the knowledge and skills to leverage the new IT tool effectively.

Vendor lock-in: The tech industry is constantly innovating. Committing to a vendor who doesn’t keep up with the changing times could prevent your business from achieving growth and success.

Pro tip: An experienced IT partner can help you choose scalable solutions that seamlessly integrate with your current infrastructure.

Ethical dilemmas: Evolving technologies such as AI or robotics can give your business a competitive edge, but do you understand the ethical risks surrounding these innovations? Ignoring the ethical use of AI can have a far-reaching impact on data privacy and business transparency.

Pro tip: Develop guidelines for the ethical use of technologies. An internal ethical committee can help promote a culture of responsible technology use.

Regulatory challenges: It’s critical to ensure your business isn’t breaking any laws while implementing a new IT solution. With new technologies, it can get tricky as there might not be a proper regulation in place, but you still could unknowingly end up attracting fines or penalties.

Pro tip: Legal experts can help you better understand your responsibilities surrounding the new technology. Additionally, you can seek the help of a trusted IT service provider, who will always work harder to keep you out of legal trouble. 

Strategic misalignment: It’s easy to fall for the latest tech that’s creating buzz. But if your new IT solution doesn’t align with your goals, you would be wasting your time and money on something that holds your business back instead of propelling it forward.

Pro tip: Choose a solution that empowers your team and creates efficiency. Have a well-defined goal and clear success metrics. Also, regularly monitor and evaluate to see if the new IT solution delivers the desired results. Make further adjustments as necessary.

Unleash your growth potential

Technology can help you take your business to new heights. However, not all IT solutions are created equal and can expose your business to security or financial risks. On the other hand, a trusted IT service provider can help you navigate the complexities effortlessly.

Talk to us today and learn how we can guide you through the new tech implementation while minimizing disruptions and maximizing results.

Adapting...with a smile!

It’s early March 2020, and seemingly out of the blue, our personal and professional lives began to feel the subtle, and not-so-subtle effects, of COVID. Our personal lives aside and from a professional lens...things certainly looked and felt different. Nineteen months later, we’ve adapted, but we continue to feel the impact. Is this the new lens through which we’ll view our professional worlds? Time will tell, but the business lessons we’ve learned are more important than ever.

I’d like to take a minute and share the effects COVID has had on Appalachia Technologies...and how we continue to persevere and get better despite it!

How much does your business rely on technology to keep your organization running forward? As business technology becomes more complex, it’s becoming increasingly popular for organizations to have their own internal IT departments to manage and maintain it. Yet, small businesses don’t often have the necessary funds for such a feat. How can your company afford quality IT service? You can start by pursuing managed IT solutions from a managed service provider.