Business Consultant Darrell B Howell recently announced his top 4 predictions on emerging technologies and trends that will impact the consulting industry in 2024.
According to Howell's latest predictions, business consultants have long relied on their expertise and experience to guide companies through complex challenges, though a new wave of technologies looks to change that process in the year ahead and create a significant shift in how consultants approach their work and profession.
These predictions, said Howell, are based on a fundamental shift in how consulting services are being delivered and the value they're providing. Howell's predictions outlined the four key technologies he believes will revolutionize the business consulting landscape in 2024 and beyond. His predictions included:
1) Big Data and Analytics
In the recent announcement, Howell's top prediction for the technology impacting the business consulting landscape the most in 2024 was big data and analytics, which he predicted would completely replace gut instinct and anecdotal evidence in the year ahead. Data and analytics tools headline Howell's list, he says, due to the rapidly growing use of data analytics by consultants to gather deep insights into client operations. This, according to Howell, allows for a more data-driven approach to problem-solving, leading to more accurate recommendations and measurable results.
2) Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Howell's second prediction for technology that will affect the consulting field most is A.I., something he said is rapidly transforming how consultants analyze information and identify trends. According to Howell, AI-powered tools allow consultants to sift through vast amounts of data, uncovering hidden patterns and potential risks that human analysts might miss. This, he noted in his prediction, frees up consultants to focus on higher-level strategic thinking and client interaction.
3) Automation
Automation comes in at number three on Howell's topmost impactful technology predictions list, mainly due to what he says is the tech's ability to eliminate redundancies and improve billing process efficiencies. Darrell B Howell pointed to the increasing use of automation tools to tackle repetitive tasks, particularly those he says have consumed so many billable hours in the past. The use of automation tech will only increase in 2024, predicts Howell, because of how much it allows consultants to focus on more strategic work, such as developing customized solutions and building long-term client relationships.
4) Cloud Computing
Howell's fourth prediction for the most game-changing technologies for the consulting industry was cloud computing tech, including cloud-based platforms he said would provide consultants and clients a more secure and collaborative workspace than ever before. He predicts that consultants will increasingly take advantage of cloud-based tech, primarily because of the growing recognition of its ability to facilitate real-time data sharing, improve communication, and speed up project completion times.
Howell's Remarks on the Future of Consulting
Despite these latest technology predictions, Howell was careful to acknowledge that technological advancements won't be replacing consultants. Rather, he noted, such advancements will be augmenting their work, making tasks easier while improving efficiency and effectiveness across consulting practices and the business consulting industry as a whole.
Other takeaways from Howell's recent predictions:
- The continued need for human expertise. While Howell's predictions examined technologies he believes will transform the industry in the year ahead, he also emphasized the ongoing need for strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which he says are crucial to translating insights into actionable solutions.
- The importance of specialization. Howell predicted the significant impact new technologies will have on the collection of data, vastly increasing the amount of data available. This increase, he stated, will necessitate a shift towards specialization, putting consultants who understand specific industries and niches in higher demand than ever.
- Tech-enabled storytelling. With such technologies on the rise in consulting, said Howell, data visualization and compelling communication will be increasingly crucial, particularly when it comes to translating complex insights for entrepreneurs and business clients.
These technologies, Darrell B Howell noted, put the consulting industry on the cusp of an exciting new era. By embracing new technologies and developing a human-centric approach, said Howell, consultants can continue to be a powerful force for positive change in the business world.
