What is technology?

Everything that goes on today can be done with our hands, pen and paper. But the expectations from the modern world does not allow this, it takes to long and in the end, is not profitable to be able to operate and survive. This is where technology comes in. Technology allows us to do things faster, with higher quality and less cost.

Technology includes both machines and information technology (IT). Both serve the same purpose to produce more with less with increased quality. One operates in the physical world, the other in the digital world and they are often tightly integrated.

A key principle is that technology are tools that accelerates operations. It does not replace operations, and does not solve operational problems. In the same way that buying an expensive hammer does not build a better house.

Leveraging technology is not about acquiring the most expensive tools, its about applying the right tool for the right job and for the right reason. The more complex the tool and the task, the more insight and competence is needed to ensure the tool is not only used correctly, but also that it has the right conditions to operate correctly. No matter how much money you spend on a hammer, it will not cut wood effectively. 

Technology is an essential enabler for many organisations, so leveraging its potential by accelerating operations is the only way to stay relevant and competitive.