3 Smart Technologies You Should Be Aware Of

Smart technology specifically refers to technologies that developers have crafted with the intention of employing scientific knowledge for practical purposes. Designers engineer these technologies to simplify life for individuals burdened with mundane and often repetitive tasks. These tasks are eradicated through the utilisation of computer programs or, in some cases, robotic systems. These systems conduct tasks considered to have low value.

However, how does this affect you? These technologies are rapidly gaining prevalence and are often adopted by companies that are embracing digitisation. In this article, I will explore three of these technologies: Artificial Intelligence, APIs, and Automation.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is fast on the rise. The emergence of ChatGPT exemplifies the capabilities of a learning computer program. This trait is immensely valuable and highly coveted in humans. Similarly valuable is the ability to transform isolated data points into coherent, informative narratives. The skill of comprehension and drawing conclusions is often taken for granted. Replicating these skills through artificial means, despite a few notable challenges, is a significant achievement.

For instance, consider how ARCUS® employs AI to reduce the load of administrative tasks for its users. ARCUS® employs AI to authenticate vital documents required for confirming supplier compliance with company standards. By analysing a small sample of approximately 500 documents, the AI learns how to verify the accuracy of certificates. If any discrepancies arise, the system flags the document, prompting a team member to review and ensure due diligence.

APIs

APIs are more niche – the lesser-known cousin of AI.

Essentially, APIs act as intricate communication bridges between applications. They break down information barriers by acting as intermediaries, thereby enhancing collaboration between diverse technologies and systems. ARCUS® has developed its own native API, known as ARCUS® Connect, which fulfils this role. Through our API, we integrate with over 20 official third-party sources, enabling the rapid collection of trusted information and automatic population of correct information fields within the system.

Consider our RSPO API, one of several ESG-related APIs. This live connection with their database permits automatic transfer of data like certification statuses, license durations, and even specific certificate numbers into our SIM and eRFX modules. Consequently, when a supplier complies with regulations concerning palm oil use, production, or supply, our clients can trust the data, as it originates from an authoritative source.

Automation

Finally, automation is the cornerstone of our smart technologies, seamlessly woven into our system. Automation involves designing and programming tasks. Once instructions are established, the process commences and operates with minimal human intervention, freeing up time and streamlining operations.

Our software uses automation throughout several of its workflow-based modules, but one of my favourite examples is within our Supplier Contract Management (SCM) module. This style of automation is used to mark and set up automatic alerts and reminders for contract renewal dates, meaning that the window of negotiation never passes by those in charge of managing contracts. In addition to this, the automatic reminders collaborate with some of our APIs, further specifying the nature of certification or information which requires updating or renewing. Smart technologies are so smart they talk to each other, as well!

How do they affect you?

So, what does this ultimately mean for you? I have only really scratched the surface of what these technologies can offer. They can be useful to so many roles, across so many businesses, in so many ways. Hopefully, I’ve demonstrated their actual usefulness. Broadly speaking, these technologies save you time, which we seem to have so little of these days. They handle monotonous and repetitive tasks, essential though unexciting, without consuming your valuable hours. It tightens your processes, keeps you on time, increases the amount of data at your disposal, and makes sure that data is always correct.  It is, in a word, the future. Embrace it, and see the difference yourself.