The Friday Night Ritual
Friday evenings used to be extra special… marking much more than just the arrival of the weekend. As 7:45 hit, I’d anxiously sink into the couch with my Jolt Cola and fruit rollup. What forces of evil would man and machine jointly battle tonight? Which exciting new technology would emerge as the savior? Once the clock struck 8:00 PM, the theme song would begin, and I was certain to be captivated for the next 60 minutes. Seriously, just play the theme song - I guarantee you’ll instantly be transported back to 1982.
Yesteryear’s fantasy technology still outshines today’s reality
It’s hard to believe that, 33 years later, so much of that seemingly futuristic Knight Rider technology is now close to reality. SIRI still has ways to go before she can rival K.I.T.T., but she’ll get there. Soon enough – for better or worse – everyone will be doing their best Michael Knight impersonations as they shout commands at SIRI through an Apple Watch. And, when it comes to driverless cars, the likes of Google, Tesla, Volvo, Mercedes, Ford and others are all getting into the game.
But, in some cases, today’s technology could’ve helped The Hoff and K.I.T.T.
It’s fascinating that, for the most part, the futuristic sci-fi vision of 33 years ago still exceeds the reality of today. But, in sifting through my Rolodex of Knight Rider memories, I’m reminded of an episode where today’s technology could actually have helped Michael Knight (now known as The Hoff) save the day. In Season 1, Episode 7 our heroes come face-to-face with a landowner threatening to blow up a dam in order to destroy the businesses of several competing ranch owners - you gotta love these plot lines.
Unfortunately this was a rare, explosive device that Michael and K.I.T.T. couldn’t defuse. The dam is destroyed, forcing Michael and K.I.T.T. to hastily react, protecting innocent people and livestock from the impending flood. Of course they save the day - albeit with brute force.
With today’s innovations, Michael would not need to go to such extremes. He likely could just don a pair of smart glasses that would provide him a 3D rendering of the explosive device, along with step-by-step, guided deactivation instructions. Even if this particular model wasn’t available in his database, no problem. He could simply click to connect with an expert - anywhere in the world – for real-time instructions via video chat.
Arm your employees with today’s top technology…minus the leather jacket!
How can you arm your employees with technology that will enable them to get their jobs done – efficiently and safely? What’s hype vs. reality when it comes to today’s latest innovations - from wearables to augmented reality? If you’re looking to answer these questions and are attending SAPPHIRE NOW, here are my top session recommendations. If you’re not able to make it to Orlando – no worries – I’ve added some links to additional content you can consume in the comfort of your home, office, or perhaps driverless car!
Explore the Connected City of the Future, with Contextual Apps and More
Thursday, May 7 | 2:00 PM-2:20 PM – Theater 5
Learn how customers are extending technology investments and modernizing business and cities with mobile apps, cloud, and the Internet of Things. Discover how the City of Auckland has transformed into a city of the future, becoming one of the first connected cities in the Asia-Pacific area.
Discover the Connected Future with Advances in Mobile Devices and Wearables
Wednesday, May 6 | 11:30 AM-11:50 AM - Demo Theater PT410
Wednesday, May 6 |4:30 PM-4:50 PM - Demo Theater PT401
Explore the latest advances in mobile devices including wearables and the technologies that will drive future business. Learn how objects, devices, and apps are being connected in the workplace and at home to deliver relevant and contextual experiences. See what is coming next with real-life examples from drones to wearables to augmented reality.
Take Your Mobile Investments to New Heights
Wednesday, May 6 | 2:30 PM-2:50 PM - Demo Theater PT417
Thursday, May 7 | 4:30 PM-4:50 PM - Demo Theater PT401
Explore how mobile in-line maintenance is changing the face of the aerospace and manufacturing world. Gain insight from the experiences of companies that have teamed with SAP to use mobile and augmented reality technology to add value and efficiencies to business processes.
Contextualize Application Content to Create Effective Right-Time Experiences
Wednesday, May 6 | 2:00 PM-2:45 PM - Microforum PT415
Maribel Lopez reveals how to successfully unite contextual data, user experience, and delivering information to the right person at the right time to support better decision-making.
Not making it to SAPPHIRE this year? Check out the following content at your leisure:
- Future of Field Service (video) - your service and asset management force working hands free while you give them the content and contextual tools they need to complete their jobs quickly, safely, and on the first visit.
- Put a Map in Your App (recorded webinar) - Add a seamless integration of spatial data from geographic information systems (GIS) to your mobile apps and unlock a step-change in operational excellence.
- And, speaking of dams, see How Hydro Tasmania turns the workforce-productivity tap on with SAP Work Manager
Hope to see you at SAPPHIRE, and if I happen to run into the Hoff, I'll be sure to post a pic on twitter!
- SAP Managed Tags: