5 Inspiring Stories of the Use of Technology in Business

Technology is a trusted partner for many businesses as it's shaping their future for years now. Companies of all shapes and sizes are using technology to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities. And these are not just tech companies — due to technology, small startups are finding their footing and corporate giants are reinventing their legacy. So, what types of businesses are rapidly increasing due to new technology? In this article, we'll explore five inspiring stories of the use of technology in business.

Domino’s Pizza

Domino’s Pizza ranks among the world’s largest pizza chains, operating in more than 83 countries. The company started with a share price of $32.25 in 2007, well above the $14.70 in 2004. By 2008, however, the stock price had fallen to $5.95 in October and the company was facing problems. That's why the team started looking for strategies to rejuvenate and grow.

The challenge was clear: declining demand and popularity meant Domino’s needed to rethink its service delivery system to add more value for its customers. The team realized that in a competitive market, it wasn't enough to just make delicious pizzas. They had to integrate technology with their business to stand out and grab customers' attention. Providing better service at the same price was their strategy to win customers from competitors. The turning point came when Domino’s embraced the technology and became an exciting venture. Business technology has helped Domino’s weather the storm and become more agile.

The launch of Domino's Anyware was the most important innovation. This concept allowed customers to order pizza (no matter their location) through different platforms, such as smart TVs, Facebook Messenger, Alexa, and even Twitter (Twitter may seem like an unexpected platform for ordering pizza, but it works seamlessly). Thanks to AI and machine learning, smart chatbots manage large amounts of data and automate the execution of orders. A registered Domino's Pizza account allows customers to easily place orders, track them, and receive improved service based on their feedback.

During the pandemic, Domino’s launched Carside Delivery which allowed customers to indicate which side of the car to receive their orders. For example, if a passenger sits in front, the delivery is conveniently placed on the back seat.

Technology for business has pushed Domino’s to provide multi-experienced services for customers. The ability to order pizza almost anywhere has made Domino’s a staple of their clients' daily lives. The broad presence on multiple channels strengthens their bond with the audience. The result says a lot — their share price is now up to $396.96 this year. This is how improved information gathering has helped businesses globally — Domino's Pizza is just the first example.

Michelin

Michelin, the world’s second-largest tire manufacturer, has over 130 years of rich experience. The company has maintained its core values and best practices throughout its history and cannot afford to stand on the sidelines today as technology and business are constantly changing. As cars become smarter and more sophisticated, Michelin is growing with its customers and is meeting the modern demands of car owners.

The goal was to remain competitive in the face of growing smart manufacturing processes. Michelin’s solution? Integrated digital growth strategy focused on three key areas: improving and accelerating business processes, providing personalized experiences to both B2B customers and end-users, and using technology for new business strategies and models.

Michelin’s R&D team is innovating the company. They are exploring AI capabilities to improve productivity and customer satisfaction. Spreading AI data across business units helps Michelin speed up decision-making and create holistic business insights that all departments can rely on. Collaborative robots also play a role — they perform routine tasks, save time, and ease the workload.

Thanks to the technology in business, Michelin has achieved impressive results — higher returns on investment, improved safety and comfort, and better overall performance. AI-powered tools for data storage, visualization, and modeling allow the team to minimize the cost of physical resources for testing. By testing new service delivery models, creating digital twins, and anticipating costly issues, Michelin is reducing risks and making more informed and accurate decisions.

Walmart

Walmart is a retail powerhouse that understands market dynamics and recognizes the impact of technology on business success. For the Walmart team, the need to transform customer and brand interaction was clear. Equipped with the resources, the company was ready to improve both its customer-facing and back-office operations.

Walmart’s challenge was to innovate, outperform competitors, and digitize the shopping experiences. It sought to update the services offered to clients and transform management, administrative, and internal processes. In 2018, the company made a bold move by investing more than $11 billion in technological upgrades. As part of its growth strategy, it partnered with leading tech companies like Google for voice commerce and Microsoft for cloud computing solutions.

As consumer expectations have changed, Walmart has adopted a ubiquitous retail strategy to effectively reach and satisfy the millennial audience and increase its presence on social networks. On the back-office side, Walmart has focused on innovations in supply chain and inventory management. This has enabled Walmart to reduce costs and improve service pricing across its various digital platforms. In supply chain solutions, AI-based data analytics provide Walmart with insights into customer behavior and ensure accurate marketing and decision making.

So, how has improved information gathering helped businesses, and Walmart in particular? Walmart has also established the Data Café, a hub that stores and manages data from more than 20,000 stores and 200 internal sources. Here, data experts analyze and interpret information to improve the speed of decision-making and ROI. The integration of AI and blockchain technology has improved product traceability within the supply chain.

Digital technologies in supply chain management, customer relationship management, marketing, and sales are helping Walmart increase efficiency and reduce costs. Faster product processing, shorter time to market, and better customer service are the reasons why today, Walmart is a technologically advanced company, and most of its processes are digital.

Nike

As a leader in the apparel industry, Nike has always woven innovation and customer comfort and integrated these values into the fabric of its mission and digital strategy. When the pandemic hit, Nike realized it was imperative to strengthen its digital footprint and interaction with its online audience. So, the company has identified areas to boost its e-commerce strategy.

In 2017, Nike took a bold step and shifted focus from wholesale to forming direct connections with customers. The move was risky, especially since wholesale was responsible for 80% of their profits. Yet, Nike's resolve to be a standout brand led to remarkable enhancements in their digital platforms.

To boost the user experience on its digital channels, Nike created an interconnected ecosystem similar to Apple's. The company used internet technologies for business to develop the Nike Run Club and Nike Training Club, available on mobile devices. These apps offer users a series of learning programs and integrate them into the Nike community. The shift has transformed Nike’s perception from just a retailer into a lifestyle brand championing health and wellness through premium apparel and footwear.

Currently, Nike's e-commerce sales make up 43% of its revenue, with a target to reach 50% by year-end. The success is rooted in Nike’s understanding of customers' needs that go beyond basic shopping habits. New technology in business helps Nike create direct and personalized interactions with the audience.

Tesla

Tesla has skillfully used the technology for business to create a unique niche in the automotive industry from the outset. Unlike most car manufacturers, the Tesla brand is based on transformative and innovative concepts. The benefits of Tesla vehicles are impressive: they're advanced, eco-friendly, future-ready, and easy to maintain. But how does Tesla achieve such remarkable results? All thanks to the smart use of internet technologies for business.

Tesla set out on a mission to use modern technology to change people’s perception of cars and their capabilities. It stands alone as the only car manufacturer in the world to offer over-the-air software updates. This means that customers can easily get updates for safety, performance, and convenience as their vehicles are automatically improved. All it takes is downloading the update via WiFi and clicking on install.

Also, you don't need to go to a showroom to buy a Tesla. The company has made buying cars as easy as ordering a pizza at Domino’s online. You can purchase their car from anywhere in the world by filling out an online form. Of course, if you prefer, you can visit the showroom and do a test drive. Tesla also plans to incorporate augmented reality (AR) into the production process so that workers can quickly access the data they need — AR will project the necessary images directly in front of workers' eyes to ensure a smooth and continuous production flow.

Tesla is always adding new and exciting features to its infotainment system. It is loaded with popular streaming apps and services, such as YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu. The arcade mode is perhaps the most interesting feature: you can use the steering wheel buttons to play games (but only when the car is parked, of course).

So, when we talk about Tesla, how has technology affected the modern business world? The brand has become a mission-driven name with enormous market influence. It offers unique experiences directly to consumers and cuts out the middleman. This approach shortens the time it takes to get products to market and changes how people perceive cars. No longer just a means of transportation, a Tesla is a place of high comfort and endless entertainment.

What About Small Businesses?

While it's motivating to find out what types of businesses are rapidly increasing due to new technology and hear the success stories of well-known brands, this can be an advantage for SMEs that want to grow and digitize. Long-established companies often face challenges when transforming their internal processes. It's tough to retrain employees and shift how customers see your brand and values. That’s why it’s easier for newer businesses to embrace digital change with less risk.

Integrating new technology in business is undoubtedly a smart move as it optimizes different tasks and roles. If you're ready for a digital overhaul, reach out to Cody's team, and we'll instruct you. Our team of professionals helps individuals and businesses use computer technology effectively. If you're unsure where to start, here are some software tools that will improve and modernize your workflow:

• Project management software. It is essential for multi-tasking groups. This software complements your existing one and allows managers to track daily activities, assign tasks, set goals, monitor progress, prevent delays, and schedule virtual meetings.

• CRM systems. Customer relationship management software helps marketing and sales teams to manage their customer data and interactions digitally. The system enables them to contact clients at the right time and increase retention.

• HR management systems. These systems process work schedules, leave requests, important announcements, and more. They help track company growth and team structure and can be integrated with management info systems to increase your organization’s productivity.

• E-signature tools. These tools are ideal for remote teams — they allow for signing documents and agreements online. Just create an electronic signature and you're ready to sign and receive documents.

• Accounting and automated reporting software. These systems manage finances, taxes, and invoices, and automatically generate reports. They lighten the load for accountants, lower fraud risks, and minimize calculation errors.

• Password management tools. They allow for storing all passwords in one place. Your account will always be safe, especially when working remotely.

• Data backup software. It protects data from system vulnerabilities or failures.

These tools are a real foundation for your business' digital transformation. However, if you're afraid of getting lost among them, contact Cody — our BPA & RPA solutions will optimize your operations, cut costs, and boost your business' growth.

Let the Journey Start

Now that you know how technology has affected the modern business world, you're sure it can give your business a big boost. No matter the size of your company, adopting new technology means more expansion opportunities. For large enterprises, investing in a full IT upgrade dramatically improves efficiency and productivity. On the other hand, if you are a small business owner with big dreams, integrating technology and business can streamline your processes and create many growth opportunities.

Cody is right there with you, leading the software development in various industries. If you need to customize existing software, develop a new solution from scratch, or just get advice on how to optimize your business, Cody is ready to help. Our team helps individuals and businesses use computer technology and focuses on creating user-friendly and future-proof products. Among our services are product development and consulting services, strategic staff augmentation, solution evaluation and audit, custom software development, and more. From Austin, Texas to Wroclaw, Poland, we have a global footprint and a proven track record since 2015. We've consistently completed 99% of their projects on time and on budget — and you can prove it yourself if you read our customers' reviews on our website.

Want to realize the impact of technology on business and get better returns on your investment? Reach out to Cody. Our goal is to create strategic partnerships that will foster innovation and growth.

FAQ

How can process mining help improve operational efficiency in healthcare?

Process mining gives a clear picture of healthcare operations. It helps to monitor the entire delivery process, identify bottlenecks, and open up areas where things can move a bit faster. This way, hospitals and clinics can optimize their work processes, reduce patient wait times, and ultimately provide better treatment with less hassle.

What types of data are collected for process mining in healthcare institutions?

In healthcare, process mining collects data on patient records, appointment logs, treatment duration, and resource usage. This data tells the story of how care is delivered from start to finish. Healthcare providers then analyze this trail to get an idea of their performance and find ways to make improvements.

What tools are used for process mining in the healthcare sector?

Different tools are used for process mining in the healthcare sector — for example, Celonis, IBM BPM, UiPath, Fluxicon Disco, SAP, iGrafx, and more. These tools enable rapid decision-making and proactive management of patient flow by combing through large amounts of data, visualizing processes, and identifying inefficiencies.

How can process mining reduce costs in hospitals and clinics?

Process mining identifies inefficiencies and streamlines processes, and thus leads to cost savings. It trims waste by spotting unnecessary inventory or redundant tests and ensures resources like staff and equipment are used wisely. For example, hospitals may use process mining to streamline the emergency department, reduce patient waiting times, and improve care delivery while reducing operational costs.