3. Horizon scanning
Welcome to Yopla’s Horizon Scanning Service! We’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve by proactively anticipating future changes in the digital landscape. Our goal is to future-proof your organisation and ensure you’re always ready for what’s next. Here’s everything you need to know about our Horizon Scanning Service, why it matters, what’s included, and how to get started.
What is Horizon Scanning?
Horizon Scanning is a proactive approach to identifying and understanding emerging technologies, trends, and industry developments. By systematically exploring these future changes, we help you prepare your business and technology stack for the next 3, 5, and 10 years, ensuring you remain competitive and innovative.
Why Does it Matter?
Horizon Scanning is crucial because it helps your organisation stay ahead of technological advancements and industry changes. Here’s why it matters:
Insight 
Description 
Anticipating Emerging Technologies
We monitor the technological landscape to identify emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, API integrations, IoT, vector computing and more. This helps you leverage these advancements to gain a competitive edge and drive innovation.
Monitoring Industry Trends
By analysing research reports, industry publications, and insights from thought leaders, we help you understand the broader context in which your organisation operates. This allows you to identify opportunities for digital transformation and meet evolving customer expectations.
Anticipating Disruption
We enable you to stay informed about emerging technologies, market trends, and regulatory changes. This helps you prepare your organisation to adapt and respond effectively, mitigating potential risks and challenges.
Future Proofing
Our service identifies technological advancements and changes that may impact your industry. This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions about technology adoption, innovation, and digital transformation.
Enhanced Resource Allocation
By understanding upcoming trends and developments, you can allocate your resources effectively. This strategic resource allocation maximises your return on investment and minimises wasted efforts.
Innovation and Agility
Embracing emerging technologies and preparing for future disruptions fosters a culture of innovation and agility within your organisation. This positions your organisation as a pioneer in your industry.
Change Management
Horizon Scanning enhances your change management capabilities by allowing you to proactively plan for organisational changes, ensuring a smooth transition and minimising resistance.
Strategic Guidance
Based on our findings and assessments, we provide strategic recommendations tailored to your organisation’s needs and aspirations. These recommendations help you navigate the digital landscape with confidence and make informed decisions that drive your organisation’s growth and success.
What’s Included in the Horizon Scanning Report?
Our comprehensive Horizon Scanning Report is designed to help you visualise the future and understand its impact on your current state and ambitions for change. The report includes:
Stage 
Description 
High Level Interviews
We conduct interviews with our technology experts to gather insights into the latest advancements and how they can be leveraged for your organisation’s benefit.
Challenge Sessions
Interactive sessions designed to pinpoint potential risks and opportunities, ensuring that your organisation is well-prepared for future challenges.
Risk analysis
Analysis of potential risks and disruptions that could impact your organisation, along with strategies to mitigate them.
Scenario Planning
Three scenarios that explore different potential futures for your organisation, helping you plan for various outcomes and make informed strategic decisions.
Report
A detailed report that outlines our insights into your current digital landscape and future prospects and identification of emerging technologies and trends that can provide new opportunities to innovate and thrive.
Consultancy
We include a consultancy session to review the report, discuss findings, and plan your next steps.
What Do You Need from Us?
All our work is managed within our Plans portal, an easy-to-use, task-by-task interface that lets you assign tasks to the relevant people in your team, view progress, and communicate with our team. This platform keeps you informed and on track every step of the way.
We need active participation, including providing access to necessary data, engaging in the collaboration process, and being willing to answer our analysis questions. The hard work is on us, ensuring you have a seamless experience throughout the process.
How Do I Get Started?
Contact us to discuss your needs and schedule an initial consultation. We’ll begin with a thorough assessment of your digital landscape, conduct interviews, analyse the data, and provide a detailed report with actionable recommendations.
FAQ's
What is Horizon Scanning?
Horizon Scanning is a proactive approach to identifying and understanding emerging technologies, trends, and industry developments. It helps prepare your business for the future.
Why is Horizon Scanning Important?
It helps your organisation stay ahead of technological advancements and industry changes, ensuring you can leverage new technologies, meet customer expectations, and mitigate potential risks.
What’s Included in the Horizon Scanning Report?
The report includes high-level interviews with tech experts, challenge sessions to identify risks and opportunities, insights into your current and future state, identification of upcoming opportunities and risks, and three impact or change scenarios.
How Long Does This Normally Take?
On average, the entire Horizon Scanning process takes about 1 month.
Is My Data Safe?
Yes, your data is safe. We record and log everything securely with end-to-end encryption and in line with our data and cyber security policies.
Do I Need an NDA?
No, you don’t need an NDA, but we can provide one immediately on request.
Who Do You Interview?
Horizon Scanning is about the future. So we interview your strategic thinkers and change makers, typically between 3 and 5 individuals.
Does Your AI Learn from Our Data?
No, the models never train on your conversations or data and are isolated to avoid this.
What Do You Need from Us?
Our work is managed within our Plans portal, an easy-to-use, task-by-task interface. We need active participation, access to necessary data, engagement in the collaboration process, and willingness to answer our analysis questions. Our Plans portal ensures a seamless and efficient process.