TECHNOLOGY ISSUE
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Invest in the Future By KATE MANNING
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t is no secret that in recent years technology has seeped into nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Some industries, like the entertainment and healthcare industries, have been quick to adopt new and innovative technologies. Others faced barriers to modernization, slowing the process of progress. Then the coronavirus pandemic added fuel to the steady burn of technological adoption and caused an explosion. COVID-19 was not just a virus, it was a catalyst. It sped up the integration of technology by years. It forced us as a society to rethink our people, products, and processes. Especially in one of Florida’s most critical industries — food and service. This industry has been crippled by rising costs, high turnover rates, and lack of personnel. As if these challenges were not enough, following Sept. 30, 2021, the industry faced an increase in the state’s minimum wage. Outcries from recovering restaurant owners exist with good reason. This increase in wages adversely affected small businesses. But, amidst a global pandemic, 60% of Floridians voted to make this change. Why? Because we as a society are rethinking our people, products, and processes. Technology helps businesses do things safer, faster, cheaper, and better. It is by no means a replacement for humanity or the warm smile from a hostess as she gestures to your table. Instead, it is a means to support humanity. As a former service industry worker and IT graduate, I have seen the humanity in IT and the mechanization in service. These two industries are independent, yet symbiotic.
Restaurants across the nation have risen to the challenge by adopting online ordering systems, apps, contactless payment, QR code menus, and even service robots. I know what immediately comes to mind: “The robots are going to take all our jobs!’ But think for a moment — what if the robot was your job? What if you became the humanity behind technology by programming, designing, or assuring the quality of that robot? There are thousands of open technology jobs across the state — jobs with decent pay, benefits, and the option for remote work. What is missing is the people. Imagine if we trained our service industry workers for those technology jobs and, in turn, encouraged restaurants to adopt the technology that would make the lack of personnel a problem of the past. Former food and service workers would still be supporting Florida’s most essential industry, but they would be doing so by building Florida’s technological ecosystem, and, in turn, making it more accessible to the industries that need it most. Of course, this is all easy to imagine. It is the implementation where many small and local businesses may struggle. Some may reject the ideas I have proposed entirely, citing tradition over modernization as society’s spirit. To those I offer this consideration: Learn from the past but invest in the future, because the future is where you will be spending the rest of your life.
Kate Manning is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in information, communication, and technology with honors. During her time at university, she served as a member of Students in Technology, Academia, and Research (STARS), Association for Computing & Machinery (ACM), and Women in IT Sharing Experiences (WISE). She was the recipient of the 2020 Student Leadership Award, and the Gene Sherron Award of Excellence. Kate was selected to be one of 100 students recognized in the Torchbearer 100 as the most outstanding students who, because of their service and leadership, have made a significant impact on student life at Florida State. She was also inducted into the Garnet and Gold Honor Society. Her passion for making a difference in the world with technology is what led her to her current position with the Florida Technology Council, where she is working to create a better, safer, stronger, and more efficient Florida by improving its technological ecosystem. FRL A .org
FLORIDA RESTAUR ANT & LOD GING
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