By Jordan Sojnocki, Marketing Manager
Lately there has been a lot of media attention around the changing landscape of the work environment.
There seems to be an undertone of concern about machinery, computers and automation replacing jobs, and that we have to be connected 24/7. How will people adapt?
This story is not new; we have seen this happen time and time again in the past. I am sure that telegraph employees were stressed by similar issues with the invention of the telephone.
There was an article circulating on the internet recently that stated big companies like Amazon, Uber, and Airbnb are all are now giants in their industry but don’t own any of the traditional assets that their competitors do (inventory, cars or buildings). Despite the concerns, it is dangerous for businesses to not adapt to the changing times while staying with the status quo since, “that is the way it has always been done.” Blacks’ view that traditional film would not be replaced by digital cameras ultimately led to the announced closure of all 59 of their retail stores.
Being in the tech industry for 27 years, Able-One Systems has been a firsthand witness to the rapidly changing landscape of IT. Some of the things we can do today on our cell phone we wouldn’t have even imagined doing with high end computers when Able-One was founded. Companies who do not embrace the strategic value of information technology will likely be surpassed by those that do.
Able-One Systems recently made a move to Kitchener’s downtown innovation district from our industrial location that served us well in the past. Warehouse space filled with used gear and break fix work benches used to be imperative to our organization but in the past years that transitioned to an innovation centre with leading edge technology to test. We couldn’t be more excited build on the great heritage of this area and this particular building, which was originally the W.E Woelfle Shoe Co. factory, a place that made comfort shoes for women.
We would love to hear about how your industry is evolving and what you are doing to not only adapt, but embrace and capitalize on these changes. If you would like to discuss please reach out to me on Linkedin or email me at jordan.sojnocki@ableone.com.
