Tech #NewTech MAY 14, 2018 @ 10:32 AM 260 2 Free Issues of Forbes How To Know If Your Business Shoul

Between now and 2020, Drones are big business according to Goldman Sachs, +$100 billion big. From Amazon to Uber and your neighbour's kid trying to take an aerial picture, Drones are going to be a big part of life once the law can get its act together. Unless you're Dominos, businesses seem to be struggling with how to apply the new technology and are back on forth on when to go in. How can you make the right decisions? Here's how.

I recently sat down with Robert Garbett (Founder and CEO of Drone Major Group - 'the global commercial trade organisation for the drone industry' and got some answers about where drones are doing in the next ten years and how businesses can take advantage of the technology now and later on. Overall, Garbett was clear that there is 'no one-size fits all' solution or framework when it comes to implementing drone tech. Businesses should focus evaluation on; "...their current technological position; the purpose for adoption; the environment of operation; it's associated risks, and the mindset within the business which is often the deciding factor between adoption and stagnation".

Garbett went on to discuss how he helps businesses that approach DMG; "[We talk about] where the business is now, where it wants to go (using drone technology) and how it is going to get there." The issue is usually a lack of understanding around what's possible and the cultural views around drone technology.

; "[Doing this exercise] not only confirms that known issues can be addressed with drone technology but it often exposes further beneficial applications previously unknown to them. GDP also helps businesses understand the risks involved as "this ensures that all issues on the route to adoption are identified and addressed individually" according to Garbett.

Garbett believes businesses are missing a lot when it comes to the potential for drone technology; "...the possibilities and benefits always go far beyond what is generally understood or expected. [Drone technology] represents a paradigm shift in capability, enabling organisations to significantly reduce costs and increase safety and efficiency." Most businesses are unaware that drones exist for underwater for example - for some that won't be relevant but for others, it will mean the differences between being in business and being out of business.

The future of drones is clearly useful rather than simply fun cameras to take more pictures of things. The consumer element shouldn't be underestimated - the dedicated area at this year's Consumer Electronics Show is a testament to that but businesses have a unique opportunity with drone technology. From planning to mapping, repair to construction, anti-theft to identification and beyond, drones are already making a huge difference to the bottom line for many industries and we're just scratching the surface.

While it's easy for businesses to focus on delivery ("...delivery of freight will be revolutionised over the next 10 years through the removal of freight from inner cities and the resultant improvement in road safety" says Garbett), drones can offer businesses a lot more options but the key is to think bigger at the beginning . Instead of asking what should we do, businesses should ask what could we do. Garbett offers one final piece of (you could argue self-serving) advice for businesses, act now. While it may be tempting for corporates to wait to see what is next to emerge these businesses may miss early the savings to do more in the future thanks to the savings a good drone strategy can offer. Drone technology will improve and additional applications will certainly come along but moving now ensures your business has skin in the game and is truly focused on the areas where drones can make a difference now and in the future.