Tag Archives: work

Profesional weareble gadets

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Probably everyone who is at least to small extent interested in technology is aware of personal wearable gadgets like fitness trackers, smartwatches or VR headsets getting more and more popular. Though probably not many of you know how potent market for workday gadgets is.

Those gadgets could be smart glasses providing a scheme of the assembly to manufacturing worker; wearable computers with which whole communication is via voice; helmets or caps with sensors notifying if a worker falls asleep. All of them has one thing in common: They are about to improve the efficiency of a worker by cutting costs or increasing work output. Those products seem to be easier to sell as they do not need to define problems they are solving (which is the case with consumer-oriented products) rather they are solving well defined existing problems.

Cap

The first gadget of this type worth knowing about are helmets and cups from SmartCap Technologies. They look like regular safety helmets or trucker caps but have the additional function. With use brain wave sensors (like EEG) they can detect when a worker is in danger of falling asleep and in such a case trigger alarm on his smartphone and when the danger is extreme, it can notify his supervisor.

This function is extremely important in the case of mining industry truck drivers. They are in control of trucks the size of a family house and if they fall asleep even for second consequences could be tragic.

This makes them sell rather easily as it is less expensive to buy those safety helmets rather than covering losses created by the accidents. SmartCap is charging $150-$200 a piece plus $30-$50 monthly subscription fee for the app and they are selling well.

UseCase3

The other gadget is clip-on voice controlled computer by Theatro created for sales clerks or cashiers. The device lets its user check inventory, check code of a product, communicate with other employees or find out when do they have their next break. Why is it much better than an app on the smartphone? It is because they do not need to avert their eyes from a customer which as Mr. Fitzgerald says “most customers when they see somebody doing that, they feel like they can go look at their own screen and get their own information.” This causes loss of a sale and in fact productivity drain rather than productivity gain.

 

cintas

Other worth mentioning gadgets are interactive textiles allowing to communicate with the device via touching work clothing by Google Project Jacquard and Cintas (for hospital employees and patients); Head mounted cameras for field service technicians allowing them to ask for advice without the need to use their hands which are currently occupied by the task their doing.

 

Sources:

http://www.businessinsider.com/google-project-jacquard-partners-with-cintas-2016-6?IR=T

https://atap.google.com/jacquard/

http://theatro.com/theatro-use-cases

http://adage.com/article/digital/wearable-technology-enters-workplace/304818/

www.smartcaptech.com/our-product/

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Facebook at Work

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Sooner or later it should have happened – the biggest social platform is about to introduce Facebook at work. Being genuinely honest the social giant started to talk about business inclined Facebook 5 years ago and bunch of companies have been using the closed beta version for over a year. However now, according to rumours, the platform is ready to be released.

Presumably Facebook at work gives the majority of regular Facebook features, but rather aim to connect co-workers in one place. The interface is going to be the same: with likes, news feed, messenger etc. However some differences will appear – for instance paying Candy Crush is impossible 🙁 User will be able to have to profiles simultaneously – regular and working (in different applications though).

Since there is lack of relevant info so far, I would guess the following:

  1. This network is going to be solely professional: business posts, news and pics.
  2. Additional tools may be provided for specific fee (analysis and technical instruments)
  3. Discorage workers to use Facebook in a working place was not the main purpose. The main purpose is to create business community.
  4. Typical user can’t create a Facebook at Work profile unless his employee bought a subscription (access, package or else)
  5. Head Hunting agencies will not be present (at least in the first place) and I believe Facebook at Work will not be transformed into head hunting tool.

I have a faith in this project largely due to Facebook popularity.

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