Today’s Data Capture Methods Need to Evolve

Over the last couple of years there has been a disconnect between the demand for more data among frontline workers and the ability by companies to harness and use that data. In turn this has led to employee discontent, inefficiencies and a poor customer experience.

Ultimately, expectations are not being met largely due to the current and inherent traditional ways of capturing data. There are now a slew of data sources and integrating them into one central resource is no easy feat for enterprises. Furthermore, there’s also a mismatch of input tools, as workers often have to use multiple data capture techniques or devices and regularly have to rely on shared tools. In some cases, they still rely on manual data entry and unbelievably, even pen and paper to keep their systems up to date.

Clearly, these solutions and methods are no longer fit for purpose. Networks have evolved to now offer gigabit connectivity, devices have evolved to now give us mixed reality, drones are becoming feasible, and consumers’ insatiable appetite to do more digitally will continue to see exponential growth; it is about time the capture of data evolves too.

In essence, it is all about embracing advances in technology to combine different modes of data sources and augment experiences. We are now spoilt with a myriad of connected devices; most if not all now have a camera to capture anything all processed in real-time. Smarter data capture works with multiple codes and identifiers including barcodes, text and even objects themselves to pull information from the real world. These and other initiatives will help foster a new and better way of working by removing monotonous repetitive tasks such as inventory management, counting stock or checking prices one by one. In turn, shift these activities onto technology for better employee satisfaction and operational efficiency. With the power of machine learning and artificial intelligence, there’s scope to blend a digital version of the real world to provide layers of intelligence to workers via augmented reality.

Every vertical should be thinking about smart data capture as traditional ways can no longer support the growing demands of today’s workforce. While the pandemic forced enterprises to transform their operations, expectations and workloads are not easing up. Bottlenecks are quickly emerging at different points causing disruption throughout the supply chain. This is further compounded with labour and goods shortages. All of this points towards how critical it is that enterprises have a better insight of their operations and meet the growing needs of customers.

Improving this process through smart data capture, which automates tedious tasks and upskills people with instant access to actionable data, will lead to higher productivity, better returns, satisfied workers and greater customer retention. All businesses today should not solely be focussed on cost reductions, but instead use technology to drive revenue and empower the workforce in tandem as part of a two-fold approach for workplace transformation.

Society is changing, frontline work is changing, more data has to be captured in more formats and in more places. Expect this new smart data capture category to evolve significantly over the next 12 months. The rollout of new connected devices including robots, mixed reality and smart glasses will lead to major disruption in addition to continued advances in mobile devices. Businesses can ill afford to stand still and will need to transform and empower their workers.