Five Ways Speech-to-Text Software Is Changing the Face of Information Technology
- Voice Search
- Automatic Transcription
- Hands-Free Operation
- Fleet Operation and Dispatch
- Cloud Computing
Speech recognition technology has completely transformed since its emergence in the late 1800s when Thomas Edison invented the earliest dictation machine. Speech-to-text software is highly processor-intensive, so little progress was made with this technology for more than a century. As computer hardware has become more powerful and affordable, voice recognition programs have become more sophisticated and reliable. Modern speech-recognition software is typically executed over a cloud network, saving users the inconvenience of installing applications on their computers.
See our ranking of the Top 30 Most Affordable Master’s in Information Technology Degrees Online.
1. Voice Search
One of the most highly sought-after types of software throughout the Information Age has been the voice search application. This app enables users to conveniently mount their smartphones or tablets to the dashboard of a vehicle or electronic control panel and perform Internet searches by speaking into the device. In the field of information technology, voice search enables professionals to continue working on technical tasks while searching for information on a computer or handheld device. This simple technological innovation increases the efficiency of IT professionals by a significant margin and helps to save businesses money every year.
2. Automatic Transcription
Being able to dictate notes and written projects straight to text format without the added work of transcription is an important benefit for IT professionals looking for ways to save time. Dictation apps have been available for decades, but modern technology makes this software much more accurate, convenient, and effective. IT professionals use dictation software to jot down notes, fill out forms, schedule jobs, communicate with clients, and perform any other task that requires text input.
3. Hands-Free Operation
Many IT jobs require two hands to install wiring and set up electronic devices. Speech-to-text technology frees up the hands of IT workers so that they can focus on network installations, software configurations, and other high-precision tasks. Companies are able to save a significant amount of money by implementing speech recognition technology in the workplace, according to Tech Radar. The cost of training IT staff to use dictation software while performing installations and repairs quickly pays for itself when productivity increases by 10 or 15 percent.
4. Fleet Operation and Dispatch
Operating a fleet of vehicles and dispatching drivers to locations throughout the country can be extremely challenging, even for elite teams of trained professionals. Using voice recognition software is like having another pair of hands that don’t get tired. From routing calls to navigating city streets, common tasks associated with fleet dispatch can be accomplished with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency using speech-to-text technology. As more and more of this industry becomes automated, software technology will make fleet operations cheaper, safer, and more reliable.
5. Cloud Computing
Software as a service has revolutionized IT departments all over the world by freeing technicians from the burden of installing and configuring software applications for businesses. Cloud computing greatly speeds up the processing time of converting speech to text. Voice recognition software has become very sophisticated and intelligent over the years, so it is now possible for almost anyone to use this technology without “training” the software to recognize a regional accent.
In the IT profession, emerging technology can be exciting and useful. Technology companies are always on the lookout for convenient ways to optimize their operations with as little added cost as possible. Anyone who earns a living or plans to earn a living in IT should get to know the benefits of speech recognition technology.