Looking through history, the year 2020 was one that has revolutionized the world like never before. But, unfortunately, the year 2020, also known as the year of the Covid pandemic, greatly impacted the business sectors of most countries.
As a result, many nations were found to have either settled on the verge of an economic meltdown or have wholly gone into an economic depression. Phenomena like lockdown, isolation, curfews, quarantine, and the likes became the order of the day, and businesses were inevitably halted. This was the point where many states began to seek ways to salvage the impending economic crises.
Amongst the 16 industries that dominated the fore of the US economy, tremendous efforts were sought to ensure the foodservice and agriculture industry were kept active because of the importance of food to the population. Meanwhile, this success was attainable as a result of the high network of communication technology available in the United States. However, it only shows the relevance of virtual meetings and technological advancement in the foodservice industry worldwide.
The pre-pandemic situation
Before the pandemic occurred, there were numerous virtual communication options; WebEx, Microsoft Team, Zoom, GoToMeeting, etc. These platforms were on-the-ground and running, but were not esteemed to be a suitable replacement for the physical person-to-person interactions.
The reasons for this were not far-fetched as they could lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding. Still, in the face of the pandemic, measures such as remote video interpretation were taken to optimize the use of virtual platforms.
What is video remote interpretation?
VRIs are essential tools that enhance communication among people who would ordinarily be unable to communicate or understand each other. Neither of the communicating parties needs to be at the exact geographical location for the communication to occur. VRI services can sufficiently bridge any manner of communication gap. The interpreter stationed at the call center can understand and then convey the exact message to the other side of the line. Some benefits of VRI in the foodservice industry include;
1. Cost reduction
As a matter of fact, the daily cost of convening meetings in any corporation is one of the most underestimated ways of acquiring a deficit in businesses. Travel expenses, petrol allowances, etc., have all been greatly minimized through the use of VRIs in the foodservice industry. In this way, the financial resources available to many food-producing corporations are now being channeled to business growth.
2. Saves time
Through the help of VRI in the foodservice industry, online meetings have become more productive. There is no need to travel great distances to be together in a conference room. There is no need for bracing the weather, insecurity, unplanned automotive, and road crisis to be at a meeting before essential decisions would be made. Virtual meetings save time that could be focused on better productivity and overall economic robustness.
3. Improves all levels of communication
With virtual meetings and VRI, the distance became an inconsequential factor in business productivity. All staff and shareholders could communicate and share ideas that have improved the foodservice industry. Through this way, all staff members could communicate without moving to each other’s offices; this virtual meeting asset has greatly grown the foodservice industry.
4. Global knowledge pool
For every aspect of the economy, including the food industry, virtual meetings are an incredible way to connect with people worldwide. So, some information that would not be easily accessible are made readily available to differing entrepreneurs. It is as simple as locating new food industries, connecting with the leadership, and developing cordial relationships. This provides an elaborate pool of resources from which entrepreneurs can hire qualified personnel, obtain critical business information, and so on.
5. Enhances cross-team collaboration
The impact of the virtual meeting on the food industry is similar to that discussed above. Entrepreneurs no longer need to meet physically to collaborate. They could share their views and ideas virtually, secure fast communication, mobilize and foster a healthy connection that would balance the foodservice industry all over the world.
Conclusion
The year of the Covid-19 pandemic has explicitly highlighted the importance of unbounded communication by distance. In response to this revelation, the foodservice industry will continue to hold on to virtual meetings as a tool for unfettered growth expansion.
Alan Ridgell
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If interested in learning more, you can contact the author via email at alannridgell@gmail.com.
