(This column originally appeared in Forbes)
Here are five things in tech that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 — These are the best accounting software applications for 2023.
Selecting an accounting software-a vital tool to keep your small business running smoothly-can be challenging if you’re unsure of what best fits your needs. A new list has the best offerings this year. For example, Wave Accounting is at #5 with the benefit of managing multiple accounts and supporting multiple users, a definite advantage if you don’t want to be concerned with the number of individual accounts. And QuickBooks is ranked as the best software because of its across-the-board compatibility-integration of third-party apps-an easy to manage cloud-based mobile app-and overall performance. (Source: Small Business Trends)
Why this is important for your business:
If you’re looking for accounting software this year, you’ll find this list is a helpful first step. Get lots of demos, involve your accountant and make sure it can grow with your business.
2 — Sendinblue now has integration with WhatsApp.
Marketing service Sendinblue has just announced the addition of WhatsApp Business to its platform. (Source: SendinBlue Press Release)
Why this is important for your business:
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging and communications platforms in the world and Sendinblue’s new service should help its users leverage WhatsApp’s benefits to keep better in step with their customers, given the increasing popularity of communicting via SMS/text messaging. Just be careful to ensure that your lists are opt-in and you’re targeting your messages to the right audience.
3 — Here are 5 ways robots are assisting construction workers.
The construction business is taking progressive steps with the help of AI to improve safety and cut back on manual labor. Thomas Insights reported on five key areas where artificial intelligence is in operation. For example, Hadrian X — developed by the Australian technology firm FBR — is a bricklaying robot that has been documented to lay bricks every 45 seconds and mechanical suits — called “ exoskeletons” — are being developed for construction workers to increase their endurance and mobility. The constant issue of safety is being enhanced by remote controlled machinery and on-site robots, programmed to patrol a site so workers can move about at a safe distance. Transportation and security are the other areas that are being transformed through AI technology. (Source: Thomas Insights)
Why this is important for your business:
Companies in the construction industry are having a difficult time finding workers and, like many other industries, managers there are turning to technology to help. These tools should be considered if you’re in that business, for sure.
4 — A new online superstore surpasses Amazon and Walmart to become most downloaded app in US
Temu — an online megastore — has bumped Amazon and Walmart down the list of the most downloaded apps. (Source: CNN)
Why this is important for your business:
Temu’s primary appeal is the notably low prices offered on its site plus free shipping and an intriguing tagline, “shop like a billionaire.” Linked to Pinduoduo — a Chinese-run e-commerce enterprise — Temu has made an astonishing presence in the U.S. marketplace since its launch last year. Could this be another destination for your e-commerce products? It’s worth considering.
5 — A new Microsoft Teams upgrade will deliver massive performance boost and use less battery.
Reported to have been “rebuilt from the ground up,” Microsoft’s collaboration platform aims to increase its performance significantly by reducing memory usage and extending battery life. (Source: Windows Central)
Why this is important for your business:
The new version is said to have been an ongoing project at Microsoft “for years” but don’t worry — users will be able to revert to the older version if they choose. It was also reported that a Teams Premium is in the works that will utilize AI for certain features. If your company is using the Teams platform get ready for some big — and hopefully great — changes in the coming year.
