If you read almost any article about the future of the accounting industry, you might be inclined to make a dramatic career shift. The statistics point to massive technological change. According to findings from a 2017 PwC study, 40% of the accounts payable process can be automated; other findings show that accounting and bookkeeping jobs are at the highest risk from digital disruption in the next 20 years. On its surface, this data might lead you to assume that AI and automation are like ruthless villains coming for our jobs. But the outlook doesn't have to be bleak.

The U.S. Army is looking for innovative scientists to create a prototype design for futuristic, next-generation combat wear for soldiers inspired by the nano suit worn in the Iron Man films. In an announcement posted in December, the U.S. Special Operations Command, which is part of the Defense Department, requested submissions from any'industry, academia, individuals and government organizations,' interested in developing a special super suit for the military. It requires submissions include an'operable exoskeleton' that's capable of a human range of motion and won't get in the way of operating machinery. The Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (Talos) would effectively give its wearer superpowers, such as the ability to see in the dark, super-human strength and a way of deflecting bullets. The Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (Talos) would effectively give its wearer superpowers, such as the ability to see in the dark, super-human strength and a way of deflecting bullets.

This might not sound like a flashy result. But at their core, exosuits make the body move more efficiently. Take, arguably the most famous fictional exosuit, the one worn by Tony Stark's Iron Man. It might boast jet propulsion and lasers, but when Iron Man punches someone the suit is simply taking Tony's energy and magnifying it. Put a 9-year-old in the Iron Man suit and he'd be a very strong 9-year old--but not as strong as Tony, a grown man, wearing the same device.

Nowadays, even your smallest company can generate huge sets of data. Fortunately for them, technology has kept up the pace and, with the dawn of Big Data, we are now able to store and analyze huge sets of digital information (read our previous article on The Cybersecurity Hydra and its Big Data nemesis here). What we must remember here is that, whereas this may appear to be a "Big Answer", there is an even Bigger Question at stake. Big Data is not about exploring and finding new sources of information, but rather it is about collecting and unveiling what is already there, using newly found methods -- much like a modern day archaeologist. The purpose: take out Small Data in the form of valuable insights based on the interpretation of these very data relics.