23 Feb February Trend Report

With the winter entering its final stretch – it is a great time to reflect on the changes of this past season and the exciting innovations around the corner. Here at Prepr, we continue to look forward to new tech trends in some of the most critical sectors: manufacturing, healthcare, retail, education and mobility. 

Healthcare: Automating Regular Tasks

According to a recent article on LinkedIn, “With the rise of AI in healthcare, we currently have the devices to automate such tasks to soothe the problem on imaging engineers and liberate to concentrate on individual treatment.” By finding ways to automate daily tasks, an already strained healthcare sector can pour more of its people and resources into patients – where it is needed most. 

Manufacturing: 5G 

The manufacturing sector has long been interested in Internet of Things technology – and with 5G technology, this connectivity will continue to improve. An article from Forbes says, “The fifth generation of mobile data network technology (5G) will enable manufacturers to easily connect their IIoT technology and leverage the data collection and data processing within devices such as smart machines and sensors.” 

Mobility: Electronic Devices

Electronic devices continue to elevate the automotive sector. According to Business Wire, “Technological innovations in the automotive electronics sector is a crucial factor driving the market.” With electronics impacting everything from anti-lock braking systems to satellite-controlled devices for traffic surveillance. 

Retail: Recreating In-Person Experiences

While online shopping continues to grow in popularity – consumers still say that they prefer to shop in-store, many saying that they miss the experience. According to Forbes, “60% of leading organizations will look to differentiate by delivering trusted and memorable engagements that recreate physical experiences.” Stores looking for an edge in a competitive online market can find it in an engaging, personalized customer experience. 

Education: Cloud-Based Delivery 

Cloud-based delivery systems for education continue to grow in popularity. Forbes suggests that “every stage of education, from primary to higher education as well as professional and workplace training, has undergone a shift towards online and cloud-based delivery platforms.” With the increasing demand for remote education solutions – it makes sense that these digital platforms are continuing to improve and grow.

Food: Food Contact Paper

With the continuing demand for paper-based packaging – food contact paper is playing a large role in the food industry – Business Research News cites that “Sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, cookies, and other bakery & fast food products require the appropriate packaging, as it comes in direct contact with food products.” It makes sense then, that this food-specific paper product is key in the future of packaging. 

Hospitality & Tourism: Decreased Corporate Demand

With the pandemic still moving through the world – demand for corporate travel remains at a standstill. According to Hospitality.net,  “business travel spending crashed by 52% and that the sector is likely not going to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2025.” As such, the hospitality industry will continue to focus on other aspects of their business – looking to target leisure travellers.

Finance: E-Voicing

Yahoo Finance defines e-voicing as invoicing “conducted through various smart devices, such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets, and includes purchase orders, debit and credit notes and remittance vouchers that specify the terms and conditions of the payment.” This shift to digital allows for less physical contact and a smoother payment process for many clients. 

Energy: Wind and Solar

The future of renewable energy is looking bright. According to Deloitte, “Wind and solar capacity additions of 13.8 GW in the first eight months of 2021 were up 28% over the same period in 2020.” With this continued innovation in the renewable energy sector, market growth looks promising. 

 

Read last month’s Trend Report here: January Trend Report

 

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