The Crucial Technologies Helping Businesses Recover Post-Covid

Looking back throughout the pandemic, it is clear that technology has been a shining savior in and of itself. It would be impossible to imagine ourselves in the shoes of those who recovered from the Spanish flu pandemic a century ago, who had no access to the innovative technologies we have today. In the 21st century pandemic, we have been lucky enough to battle this global health concern in our comfiest lounge clothes with the latest Netflix show playing in the background.

Our leisure time wasn’t the only thing saved by technology, however. Digital workspaces allowed numerous individuals to continue working and making an income for their families. As we look ahead to the post-covid world, the following crucial technologies will play a significant role in helping businesses recover.

Scanning Features

In order to minimize personal contact, many stores and other businesses have implemented scan-and-go features for customers to take advantage of. While self-check-out lines have been a staple in grocery stores for quite some time now, this type of technology will play a significant role in a multitude of other industries. QR codes have become a crucial part of technology, as they allow for a more efficient experience in airport lines, concert queues, restaurants and more. Some businesses have even implemented ways to complete the checkout process on your phones without waiting in a traditional checkout line. What began as a way to minimize human interaction is now turning into a preference of convenience that will continue to help businesses recover post-covid.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is becoming more and more common, not only for entertainment but also for professional endeavors. As businesses work to recover post-covid, many may still be met with the issue of creating a safe space for customers. Virtual reality can play an essential role in this recovery, as it can allow for certain experiences to take place digitally. Take fitting rooms, for example. Many retailers were forced to close their fitting rooms during the pandemic, which sparked some controversy among guests. Virtual reality, however, can allow guests to “try on” products from home, minimizing their time spent in the store and lessening the number of returns made. Other typical applications are for furniture retailers, allowing consumers to visualize home decor in their own space. There are a variety of other uses for virtual reality, this being just one of the many exciting possibilities.

E-Commerce

Online shopping was growing rapidly in popularity even before the pandemic, but when stores were forced to close their physical locations, online storefronts became the new standard. Even local small businesses began building simple websites or social media profiles and implementing order pickup options, so their customers could shop from home and then pick up their purchases without coming into close contact with others. Some businesses even started doing virtual shopping events on social media or offering personal video chats to help customers select their items from home. With customers unable to come to a physical store, retail businesses have become increasingly creative in utilizing online platforms and e-commerce to stay connected to their audience and keep their companies alive. While people have absolutely been grateful for the return of in-store shopping, the pandemic has drastically changed the way companies interact with their customers online and has made it easier for businesses to connect with a global audience.

Some individuals worry that these innovations will cause storefronts and physical businesses to close down, as well as jobs being taken off the market. However, the real hope is that these technologies will only allow for a more inclusive environment, promoting both in-person business and the exciting future of digital business.