How to determine a trend’s relevance
Those of us working in IT are frequently faced with enquiries from our peers and leadership teams that go something like this, “Did you see the article about < new tech innovation/trend>? We need to do something about it.”
As AI increases in quality and reach, the number of spin-offs are vast, and that’s in addition to “regular” technological developments in the fast moving IT space. But trends come and go, are unpredictable and are not always relevant to a particular business.
As highlighted in our recent conference, KDZA understands that if we want to maintain our leadership in the industry, we need to stay up-to-date with cutting-edge trends and apply these across our business, when and where necessary and possible. However, if we were to respond to every new trend we’d be overwhelmed and find ourselves spinning in multiple directions instead of creating value and generating a strategic growth trajectory.
The trick to staying sane and focused in this dynamic digital environment is knowing how to determine a trend’s relevance. This approach requires continual review, and we need to learn how to evaluate trends quickly as the technology matures and evolves. This article sets out four parameters to use as a compass to determine relevance of the tech to our business and our customers.
Ask yourself:-
1) What is the disruptive business value?
If the value is incremental or isolated to some operational improvement in IT, then the trend isn’t really worth a “big bet.” There needs to be measurable value to the business.
2) What is the impact on independence?
Could this trend allow the organisation to work in smaller, more independent units? Do the opportunities of a shiny new thing clearly reflect the real business value?
3) What is the impact on connectivity?
Could this trend reduce friction in the organisation’s connectivity? Some trends may not have value in isolation, but can have greater impact on other areas of the business.
4) Is this capable of being extended?
Could the trend improve technology and management practices? In
addition, ask:
How will we measure contribution to our KPIs?
Every initiative needs to clearly reflect or build on our aim of partnering to grow value together.
If a trend answers in the affirmative to all of these questions, then it’s most definitely worth evaluating, but the answer isn’t generally as simple as “yes” or “no”. A specific trend might initially only appear to be relevant to one or two of the pillars, but its impact could work for all four if applied coherently.
It’s important for us to continue to evaluate interesting trends as part of ongoing business evolution and these four parameters are a helpful compass to determine options.
Keeping abreast of technological advancements and industry shifts requires constant reading, listening and networking. It is an exciting part of working in this industry.
Hazel Mosai - Indirect Sales Team Leader - KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa
