What is hyperconnectivity?
Hyperconnectivity refers to a maximum level of connection between humans and machines through devices, social networks, and various platforms.
From connection to hyperconnection
The steam engine, electricity, and computers – these technologies redefined world economies in the last three Industrial Revolutions. In the current Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, hyperconnectivity is emerging as the defining technological advancement.
Connectivity links various processes systematically in a single network. The concept has been growing and developing since the 2000s. But its recent strides into the hyperconnectivity phase can be attributed to three core innovations: the internet, mobile technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Experts also say that the subsequent rise of social networks has accelerated its progression even further.
The connectivity we have been enjoying in recent years between people has opened numerous means for individuals to communicate with one another at any time. Examples include text messaging, phone and video calls, emails, social networks, games, and different communication apps. However, interactions in the coming hyperconnected world are not only between humans. It encompasses instant connection between all entities, including person-to-machine, machine-to-machine, and platform-to-platform connections.
In a hyperconnected e-commerce ecosystem, merchants can instantly integrate with various service providers and partners for seamless business operations. For instance, all aspects of selling through an online store like product registration, marketing, payment, order management, shipping, and customer service can all be streamlined into one administrative platform.
The value of hyperconnectivity in e-commerce
Industries now put a greater focus on hyperconnectivity. The International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts that 45% of consumer-facing businesses will provide completely seamless connectedness by 2024. These companies stand to gain from their investment, too. The same IDC study states that hyperconnectivity will generate at least two times return on investment (ROI) by 2025. Revenue, customer retention, process and cost efficiencies, and infrastructure longevity are crucial areas that hyperconnectivity can improve.
In e-commerce, connectivity is essential. But achieving the next level of connection will enable entire processes of work to be carried out as a single unit regardless of the number of entities, services, and platforms involved. When someone makes a purchase on an online store, the warehouse will receive an instant alert so they can start packaging the item. Meanwhile, the buyer will receive a mobile message providing an update on the package status that was initiated by the warehouse checking the alert. In this way, a hyperconnected landscape will shy away from businesses operating as single entities. Instead, it promotes a streamlined ecosystem that allows multiple service providers to work together cohesively as a single working unit.
The cornerstone of Cafe24’s ecosystem
Cafe24 sees hyperconnectivity to be central for the e-commerce sector to move forward. It has spent over two decades researching and developing ways to turn its platform into a hyperconnected e-commerce ecosystem. The company’s open approach to application programming interfaces (APIs) is essential to getting various industry players like developers, agencies, and partners involved in this growing ecosystem.
Cafe24 stays true to its objective of becoming the go-to one-stop platform for launching and growing online stores. It continues to refine its services and create a hyperconnected environment that encompasses applications, design, logistics, payment, shipping, and more. With Cafe24’s dedication to realizing this vision, the company is advancing the e-commerce industry as a whole, one connection at a time.