The pace at which technology is evolving can feel overwhelming – even for the most tech-savvy among us.
It’s easy to get carried away and feel the need to invest in the latest and shiniest ‘new’ innovation, especially as technology today has become more accessible than ever before.However, it is important not all things new are appropriate for all businesses. Success is dependent on the first decision at hand; should or shouldn’t a company adopt an advancement.
So, how do you decide which technological advancement is right for your travel business?
Your North Star when adopting any technology should be ‘intent’. Technology, at its core, needs to be driven by the intent to solve problems. After all, technology simply serves as a means to an end. For it to be successful, it should simplify processes, enhance customer experiences, and enable your business to achieve its goals effectively.
If you align your technology with your business objectives, you’ll be sure to use the right innovations, at the right time, ensuring you connect with the right market. As Ricardo Polisel Alves, MD Technology Strategy for Accenture puts it: “Having a sense of technology purpose is asking yourself, “What are the challenges we’re facing today, what are the opportunities that exist tomorrow and how can technology solve all that?”
Let’s illustrate this with an example. Remember the days when we used to navigate the streets of a foreign city with a map lying open on the passenger seat? Counting streets because you need to take the third street left after passing the church? That’s where GPS navigation came in. This technology was developed with a clear intent: to solve the problem of getting lost or needing to remember complicated routes. Today, it has become so embedded in our lives that many of us can’t imagine traveling without it.
The technology you choose for your travel business should always keep ‘intent’ at the centre: either to ensure your business run smoother or to make the traveller experience better and more streamlined.
Questions, supported by expert panellists at Forbes Technology Council, to ask yourself when the thought of adopting new technology arises are:
1. Can it solve a problem? When considering a new technology, it’s essential to assess how it can solve specific business problems. Technology alone is not the answer, but rather a part of the solution. The focus should be on the impact it will have on clients and the ability to achieve the greatest good with the least effort.
2. Will it improve customer service now and in the foreseeable future? Selecting technology that can grow with the business is crucial to avoid investing in solutions that quickly become outdated.
3. Does it further your vision and objectives? Technology adoption should align with the organisation’s vision and objectives.
4. Is there a business implementation plan? User adoption is crucial when introducing new technology. A solid business case, a well-defined rollout plan, and a long-term champion are necessary for successful adoption and utilisation throughout the organisation.
5. What does the team think? When evaluating new technology, it’s important to determine if it’s genuinely necessary or just a passing trend. Your team’s perspective is crucial, as their familiarity with existing methods can affect adoption.
As we develop technology for the travel industry, the ‘intent of our technology at Wetu is to provide simple tools, that solve customer problems for B2B players along the value chain, enabling them to deliver that special travel magic to their clients.
Lastly, but most importantly, we need to remember that technology is a tool, not a replacement for human expertise. Businesses should view technology as an enabler of connection, empowering their workforce to excel in their roles. Learning how to effectively and intentionally use and manipulate the right technology is paramount for companies seeking to stay ahead of the curve.
