1) Blockchains

What it is: A blockchain or distributed ledger is, in simplistic terms, a kind of highly secure database, a way of storing information.

In today's digital age, storing, authenticating, and protecting data presents serious challenges for many organisations. Blockchain technology, a form of open, distributed ledger, promises a practical and super secure solution to this problem. As a result, blockchain is an increasingly attractive tool for industries such as banking and insurance. It will transform how banks operate and how we keep our possessions.

2) Cloud & Edge Computing

What it is: Cloud computing means storing and processing data on other people's computers in a data center via a network that gives companies the ability to store massive amounts of data and process it in nearly real-time. Edge computing refers to the processing of data on devices such as smartphones. Cloud service providers such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft allow companies to host all vital IT infrastructure in their cloud rather than within an organisation's digital walls reducing overhead costs to maintain and operate individual systems, software and data. Edge sits at the other end of the scalerather than far away in remote data centers, edge computing happens up-close-and-personal on the frontline of business operations. Rather than send every piece of information collected by cameras, scanners, handheld terminals or sensors to the cloud to be processed, edge devices carry out some or all of the processing themselves, at the source where the data is collected.

3) Robots & Cobots

What it is: Today's robots can be defined as intelligent machines that can understand and respond to their environment and perform routine or complex tasks autonomously.

In this data-driven age, it's the intelligence and ability to act autonomously that defines robots and separates them from other machines. The rise of collaborative robots, or cobots, is the latest generation of robotic systems designed to work alongside humans as robotic colleagues. Cobots enhance the work that humans do and interact safely and easily with the human workforceextra robotic muscle in the workplace.

Question) How these three technology trends will impact on the way accountants record transactions and report financial performance. support your answer with 8 scholarly articles.