There are different types of technology: fixed, flexible, hard, soft, product, operational, equipment, cutting-edge, innovation, clean, among others.
Beyond its types, it is important to remember that although we tend to associate technology with electronic devices, technology is any knowledge or resource applied in a specific area. The invention of the wheel, for example, was one of humanity’s greatest technological inventions.
Classifications of types of technology vary according to the authors. “Each classification considers whether the technology can serve multiple purposes, whether it produces a tangible or intangible good, and whether it applies to a product, an operation, or a process.”
According to its versatility
In 1967, American sociologist James D. Thompson proposed two general types in his book Organizations in Action:. Since then, other authors have proposed new categories, but his classification is considered pioneering. According to Thompson, technology can be:
1. Fixed technology
Fixed technology is designed to fulfill a single purpose. Therefore, it cannot be used for purposes other than those for which it was created. In addition, fixed technologies evolves very slowly, unlike other types of technology that require constant updating.
The fact that fixed technology has only one function makes it highly specialized, which guarantees superior performance compared to the use of flexible technologies.
However, its upgrade limitations translate into high maintenance or replacement costs, and it runs the risk of becoming obsolete more quickly.
An example of fixed technology par excellence are oil refineries, composed of a series of infrastructures and procedures dedicated exclusively to the transformation of oil into its different derivatives, such as gasoline or diesel.
2. Flexible technology
“Flexible technology has multiple uses and can adapt to or complement other technologies or products. This capability allows it to change its operation or purpose as needed.
This adaptability proves efficient and economical for companies, as they can use the same type of technology to meet various needs instead of investing in several fixed technologies.
An example of flexible technology is blockchain, which enables the digital storage of data that cannot be lost, modified, or deleted. This technology finds applications in cryptocurrency transactions, product tracking in the food industry, and electoral systems.”
According to the product obtained
Depending on whether the technology is used to obtain tangible goods (such as physical products) or intangible goods (methodologies or knowledge), it is classified as:
3. Hard technology
“Hard technology refers to the production or manufacturing of machinery or devices that serve as final products or components of a larger structure.
It directly links to the processing of raw materials, so its development relies on physical, chemical, or biological processes that transform materials into finished products.”
Hard technology is probably the type of technology we have the most access to in our daily lives, as it involves the manufacturing of any device that allows us to perform a task.
Examples of hard technology can range from a fork to a screw, a hair dryer, a car, a cell phone, or computer hardware.
4. Soft technology
These are all the methodologies, processes, and knowledge that, although not tangible (since they are not physical products), constitute an asset or valuable material, because they complement the use of hard technologies. In other words, hard technology would be the object and soft technology is the knowledge of how to use that object
Examples of soft technologies include agile methodologies, which help manage projects efficiently, software production, and digital marketing strategies.
See also:
- Difference between hardware and software
- Types of software
According to its application
5. Product technology
In other words, product technology encompasses all the knowledge involved in manufacturing an artifact. It includes the expertise on how to do something, known in English as know-how. This knowledge receives legal protection through registrations or patents, preventing reproduction without the manufacturer’s permission.”
An example of product technology is the Coca-Cola formula.
6. Operation technology
It is the constant updating of methods, procedures, knowledge and devices in order to promote improvements in production processes. Operation technology promotes efficiency by stimulating greater productivity with fewer resources and in less time.
This type of technology has many applications in business, corporate and industrial environments, where constant improvements to existing processes are always being sought to save resources.
An example of operational technology is long-distance communication systems, which have evolved from letters and telegraph to instant messaging and video calls.
7. Equipment technology
“Manufacturers develop this technology as a complement to their products. In some industries, the manufacturer creates the device while others implement the technology. For example, third parties develop cell phone applications.
In equipment technology, the manufacturer manages both processes.
An example is the LED technology found in today’s televisions.”
. The television manufacturer develops this technology and integrates it into the device.
Classification by Level of Innovation
Depending on its novelty for the time or context in which it is used, technology is classified as:”
According to their level of innovation
Depending on how novel a technology is for the time or context in which it is used, it is classified as:
8. Cutting-edge or high-tech technology
These are the most advanced knowledge or devices for the time in which they were designed. While it can be understood that high technology can be better than previous ones, the reality is that since these are processes or devices that have only been on the market for a short time, it is not always possible to determine their true scope or efficiency in the short term.
Furthermore, the implementation of cutting-edge technology involves high levels of investment that not all companies or people are willing to make.
Examples of cutting-edge technology for the current moment would be the Internet of Things, the 5G network, biotechnology and artificial intelligence.
9. Appropriate or intermediate technology
“Also called appropriate technology, this encompasses knowledge, methods, or artifacts that help solve problems in ways compatible with the cultural, economic, and social conditions of the environment where they apply. The term ‘appropriate’ highlights solutions that align with the realities of the target population, often disadvantaged communities where advanced technology may be economically or environmentally unsustainable.
10.Low technology
Low technology refers to knowledge or devices that have become obsolete compared to high technology or that require only manual or mechanical work to operate. Despite the availability of more advanced technologies, low technology remains in use because it is often cost-effective and energy-efficient.”
Examples of low-tech include trades such as blacksmithing and pottery making, or home-made methods for making craft beverages.
According to the production system
In 1953, researcher Joan Woodward conducted a study in the United Kingdom to understand the development of structures in organizations. This led to a classification of three types of technologies used by companies according to their production method:
11. Production technology by units or projects
These are activities that result in a unique product. This type of technology applies not only to finished products (tangible goods) but also to procedures (intangible goods).
Examples of unit production technology are those used in the construction of buildings, ships or airplanes.
12. Mass production technology
This technology involves process chains that generate a continuous production line for consumer goods in batches.
Mass production technology requires standardized procedures, task coordination and qualification of human resources for specific tasks.
13. Continuous flow technology
It refers to continuous work processes for the production of products or services. Unlike mass production technology, which requires human intervention in the execution of tasks, continuous flows are automated, so only the process needs to be monitored.
Examples of continuous flow technology would be a hydroelectric power plant.
According to the type of organizational management
Charles Parow, professor emeritus at Yale University, focused on studying and classifying technology according to the management of an organization. Perrow classified it into four types:
14. Routine technology
“Routine technology includes knowledge and procedures that individuals can easily understand and follow to perform tasks. As the name suggests, these involve routine or repetitive tasks and connect to a centralized structure that influences decision-making.
Examples of routine technologies would be the production of mass-market software and bureaucratic procedures applied in government agencies.
15. Non-routine technology
Unlike routine technology, this type of technology lacks routines and standardized procedures. It usually involves a very high variety of tasks, so it is not possible to have a defined solution for each case.
16. Artisanal technology
Artisanal or manufacturing technology is empirical knowledge, a way of doing things that lacks formal knowledge and is autonomous with respect to decision-making.
“This type of technology features zero or minimal use of tools or machines, as it mainly involves manual processes. In other classifications, this category from Charles Perrow is known as low technology.
Examples of artisanal technology include weaving and ceramics.
Engineering Technology
Engineering technology consists of knowledge and procedures that, while standardized and centralized, remain flexible and may require different types of solutions, leading to varying results.
For example, aerospace engineering requires unique solutions for each project. If a SpaceX rocket fails, the same technology applies, but engineers must find a new solution.”
Other types of technology
18. Information Technology (IT)
It refers to the use of telecommunications equipment and systems for the storage, processing and transmission of data. These equipment include computers, telephone lines and wireless signals.
This convergence between the two systems is what makes it possible for televisions or cell phones to transmit their content over the same cable network shared with computer systems.
An example of information technology is when we use a telephone to make video calls or when we watch web content on the television.
19. Operational technologies (OT)
Operational technologies is the use of hardware or software to monitor, control, or change devices or processes within an organization.
typically exists in industrial environments and operates almost autonomously without relying on human management or supervision. . In the event of an error, the operator can immediately stop the production process, detect the source of the fault, correct it and reactivate the production process.
20. Clean technology
Also called green or environmental , it refers to any device, service or process whose use is sustainable, that operates with energy efficiency or that has a minimal impact on the environment.
This type of technology makes minimal use of non-renewable natural resources, and is present in different productive sectors:
Energy : In this case, the goal of the technology is to reduce the use of fossil fuels or nuclear energy. Solar energy devices are an example in this sector.
Waste treatment : covers the processes of recycling and reusing products or raw materials, such as recycling plastic, glass or paper.
Hydraulic: all processes that allow water savings, such as those carried out by wastewater treatment plants.
Logistics : These are the practices of a company to reduce its impact on the environment, such as reducing energy expenditure or carbon emissions (CO 2 ).
Conclusion
Understanding the various types of technology is essential for grasping how they shape our lives and industries. From information and communication technology to industrial and environmental technologies, each category serves distinct purposes and addresses specific needs. As technology continues to evolve, its applications become increasingly diverse, driving innovation and improving efficiency across all sectors. Recognizing these types helps us navigate the complexities of the modern technological landscape and appreciate the impact of these advancements on society.
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