Talking with Our Devices

BeckyStrause

Speech is our primary means of communicating. We are so used to it, so comfortable with it we even talk to things that can’t talk back. How often do people say things like, “Who’s the good boy?” after having a dirty, wet, stick dropped at their feet? I can remember my mom looking at the turkey in the oven saying, “How are we doing in there?” It’s not that an answer is expected, but there’s something comfortable about those words coming out of our mouths.

We want to be able to talk to a device, and have it do what we want it to do. The easier it is for us, the better. So not only do we want inanimate objects to do as we say, we want them to understand how we say what we say. Captain Jean-Luc Picard may have had to say, “Tea. Earl grey. Hot.” But it would be easier for us if we could say, “Can I get some hot earl grey tea?” and have it appear. In order for a device to get that, it needs to understand natural language. For that to happen we need a conversational user interface, rather than the graphical user interfaces (GUI’s) we use now. We may be well on our way to readily using that type of technology.

The reality is that we want to be able to talk with our devices not just at them. We want them to be conversational, to understand the intent of what we’re saying. We want them to act as personal assistants, not just … well, devices. That’s why so many people are getting friendly with Siri , it is (she is?) an intelligent personal assistant and knowledge navigator. So if you need a reminder for your mom’s birthday, she’ll give it. However, if you tell her that you’re so sad you want to jump off a bridge, the only assistance she gives is to tell you where the closest bridges are. She may not be perfect, she also can’t make hot earl grey tea appear out of the blue, but Siri seems to be a solid example of a functional conversational interface. Plenty of people are working on perfecting this type of technology, and I am confident we will continue to see quick growth in this area.

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Technology in Construction & Manufacturing: Why It’s More Than Just Device Management

January 20, 2026

Modern construction and manufacturing sites are no longer just about heavy machinery; they’re digital ecosystems. Tablets, laptops, IoT sensors, and mobile apps are now essential for everything from blueprint access to production monitoring. These tools enable real-time collaboration, safety compliance, and operational efficiency. But when your workforce is spread across remote job sites or large facilities, keeping these systems connected and secure becomes a challenge. Construction Blueprint & Plan Access: Crews use tablets to view updated plans on-site, reducing errors and rework. Safety & Compliance Reporting: Mobile apps allow instant incident reporting and safety checks. Equipment Tracking: IoT sensors monitor heavy machinery usage and maintenance needs. Manufacturing Production Line Monitoring: Tablets and IoT devices track throughput and detect anomalies. Quality Control: Mobile devices capture and share inspection data in real time. Inventory Management: Connected devices streamline material tracking and reduce downtime. These tools keep projects moving, but only if they’re secure, updated, and accessible anywhere. Why Remote Access Is Critical Construction sites and manufacturing plants often operate in remote or rugged environments. Workers need secure, reliable access to company systems, whether they’re in the field, on the shop floor, or traveling between sites. Without proper management, connectivity issues and security gaps can lead to delays, data breaches, and compliance failures. How a Managed IT Services Partner Helps You Win Partnering with a Managed IT Services provider lik e Eberly Systems ensures: Centralized Device Management: Configure, update, and secure all devices remotely using Microsoft Intune. Enterprise-Grade Security: Microsoft Defender protects against threats across IT and OT environments. Identity & Access Control: Microsoft Entra ID enables MFA and conditional access for subcontractors and BYOD scenarios. 24/7 Monitoring & Support: Proactive threat detection and performance monitoring keep operations running smoothly. Scalable Solutions: Whether you have 50 devices or 500, policies and updates roll out automatically. This means your teams can access critical tools and data securely anytime, anywhere, without worrying about downtime or cyber risks. Construction and manufacturing thrive on precision and speed. Technology makes that possible, but only when it’s managed effectively. A trusted Managed IT Services partner doesn’t just keep devices secure, it keeps your business moving, your workforce connected, and your data protected. Ready to empower your teams and safeguard your operations? Contact Eberly Systems today for a free consultation.