Soon you’ll be able to ask Google to hide your personal information from searches
Here are five technology things that happened in the past week and how they’re impacting your business. Did you miss them? —
1 – Google now lets you request the removal of search results that contain personal information.
Google will release a tool that will make it easier to remove search results that contain personally identifiable information such as addresses, phone numbers and more. The new feature – called “Results About You” – aims to help users more easily control what personal information can appear in search results. (Source: Engadget)
Why this is important for your business:
This is a big problem for many people who are concerned about their personal information being available online. This particularly affects CEOs or other prominent individuals. I’m assuming a good hacker can get around this change, but it’s something that makes it harder for them to do. I recommend taking advantage of this tool as soon as it becomes available. I know I will.
2 – Meta integrates WhatsApp, Salesforce to let merchants chat with consumers
Messaging platform whatsappwhich is owned by metamay soon integrate with CRM software Sales team. (Source: whatsapp)
Why this is important for your business:
It will be time. As a CRM consultant, I was frustrated with the lack of integration between messaging apps and popular CRM platforms. This integration is a step in the right direction. On WhatsApp’s blog, the company gives the example of how a customer – brands of the L’Oréal group – can soon use WhatsApp “to reconnect with consumers who previously left items in a shopping cart and offer them coupons and offers. send them on the chat thread anyway.” However, something is still missing: integration with SMS on our phones. I discuss this further here.
3 – North American companies are sending in the robots even though productivity is falling.
According to recently released data, companies across North America bought a record number of robots in the first half of 2022 to try and make up for the struggling job market. Data shows that 12,305 units were ordered in the second quarter, worth $585 million. That’s 25 percent more than around this time last year. (Source: Reuters)
Why this is important for your business:
Companies – large and small – across the country are investing heavily in robotics technology to replace the unavailable workers and help existing employees get more done. The price of these units has dropped significantly in recent years, making it a more affordable investment. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring this investment just because of the current slowdown. That is coming to an end and smart companies are preparing when that happens.
4 – Wegmans has discontinued the self-checkout app due to losses.
Supermarket chain Wegmans announced last week that it would stop using the self-checkout app due to losses. The app known as SCAN – which allowed customers to scan their groceries as they shopped – was rolled out early during the coronavirus pandemic to enable a more contactless experience. Wegmans did not disclose how many losses it suffered or whether they were the result of stolen items or customers forgetting to scan groceries. (Source: New York Times)
Why this is important for your business:
There will still be self-checkout lines, but even these will be less popular. The cost-saving benefits are tempting, but the reality is something else. Scanning products in-store is more likely to lead to theft and many companies, such as Wegmans, were unprepared for the scale of the shoplifting. And everyone will tell you that doing the self-service line often takes more time than just checking out. Improvements to these technologies are needed.
5 – Attacks on employees’ mobile phones pose new threats to businesses.
A recent spate of security breaches at several companies highlights the dangers of employees using their cell phones at work. (Source: axios)
Why this is important for your business:
According to reports, hackers are tricking employees into providing digital passwords and credentials through phishing campaigns targeting mobile phones. With more and more people working from home, security teams are having a hard time keeping up with new accounts, apps, and personal devices used for work. You should invest in more training for your employees.
