Most of the modern population sports smartwatches or activity tracker bracelets like they’ve always been part of a normal day. Similar to the release of the iPad—which was met with criticism and doubt—wearables entered the world amidst skepticism and judgement. But those die-hard few who are always game to try any new technology gave wearables their seal of approval, and the rest is history.

It was only a matter of time before companies then discovered ways to creatively incorporate wearable technology into their businesses, resulting in more efficient work environments, happier customers, and a bigger bottom line.

Here are five creative ways you can bring wearable technology into your business so you stay ahead of the curve.

1. Easily track employees with location monitoring.

Wristband and watch technology can monitor just about anything in our daily routines—heart rate, incoming messages, and even location. Some may argue violation of privacy, but when it comes to your employees, safety and efficiency are key. In dangerous work environments—such as oilrigs, factories, or warehouses full of hazardous materials—it’s important to monitor employee access. It also allows employers to easily assign new jobs in industries like electric utility or phone-line maintenance, where employees are in the field awaiting their next outage repair. 

2. Stay hands-free with Google Glass.

This new technology is still evolving, but businesses are already seeing benefits with the hands-free eyewear. From the food industry to real estate, Google Glass features are helping companies record transactions, create real-time virtual tours or assist with on-the-job-training in innovative ways that keep hands free and productivity high.

3. Provide the ultimate customer service.

No matter what industry you’re in, the customer has the power to make or break your business. And with wearable technologies like smart watches or in-ear hearing devices, you can solve a customer’s issue without ever leaving their side. Check inventory, ship a product instantly, order a repair—the list of customer-based applications is huge and continues to grow.

4. Create the ultimate training environment.

With technology like Google Glass, employees not only experience hands-on learning, but can also virtually travel anywhere in the world. Join a classroom in France for a master chef cooking class or experience a medical lecture at John Hopkins. The possibilities for education will truly be limitless. 

5. Multitask like never before.

Many companies require their employees to carry a keycard for office access, a laptop for mobile working abilities, a cell phone for 24/7 communication, and external hard drives to store documents. But what if all of these devices lived in one simple smart watch? Tech watches are now everything—keeping computers at a glance, making communication easier than ever before and controlling access to workspaces. And it’s all just a wrist away.