Benefits and challenges of IT solutions for business efficiency
Different kinds of literature present different arguments regarding problem discovery and identification with IT. Some of the literature supports the involvement of computers in the problem-solving process whereas other authors provide the disadvantages related to computer applications in solving organizational issues. This essay presents a collection of different views from different authors across the globe.
Breitmeyer (2015) supports the notion of involving computers in problem-solving by presenting various disadvantages of the manual system. Breitmeyer (2015) argues that the manual system puts a lot of pressure on the people especially regarding periodic correction of the problems in the organization following the fact that most individuals in the organization are not perfect. Breitmeyer (2015) also clarify the issue regarding the pressure offered by the manual system by displaying how depended the manual system rely on the staff thus calling for the necessity of training and compensation programs from the management department of the organization. Breitmeyer (2015) brings out the ideology of imperfect recording and inconsistency of data associated with the manual system. Such a problem extends not only to the customer service of the organization but also provides irrelevant information for decision making within the company. Furthermore, the generation, reporting, and presentation of the data using the manual method are not only robust but also time-consuming (Breitmeyer, 2015).
Additionally, Breitmeyer (2015) emphasizes the impact of the manual system on the Customer service. Breitmeyer (2015) argues that the use of the manual system makes a response to the client questions very difficult as the data is stored in different localities whereby the one needs to not only find the information but also the right person for the data before presenting the response. According to Breitmeyer (2015), seven different problems are associated with the manual system. Firstly, the manual system is associated with the inconsistency of data and opens up the gaps for error in the recorded information (Breitmeyer, 2015). Secondly, the manual system consumes a lot of expenses in training the staff (Breitmeyer, 2015). Thirdly, the manual system depends solemnly on the good individuals within the organization. Fourthly, the manual system is more expensive regarding producing reports and time (Breitmeyer, 2015). Also, the security of the manual system and reliability is questionable. The system may lead to data duplication. Lastly, the manual system is associated with reduced information sharing and customer services.
Even though Breitmeyer supports the implementation of the computer system in solving organizational problems, he does not hesitate to mention the side backs. Breitmeyer (2015) brings out the idea of periodic updating of the systems. Breitmeyer (2015) argues that as the organization develops, so has to do the system. Therefore, there is a need to enhance flexibility in the designing of the computer applications in that the system is updated whatever time when needed. Breitmeyer (2015) argues that the putting up a new system is not only costly in monetary terms but also the time required. However, the general benefits of the computer system in solving organizational problems gets higher as the organization develops its operations (Breitmeyer, 2015).
Insights from Breitmeyer on the disadvantages of manual systems and the benefits of IT solutions
Parera (2018) on the other hand support computer application in the marketing department. Parera (2018) brings out several benefits of using the internet in advertising business operations. Parera (2018) claims that the application of internet advertising does not apply only to the small business but also on small scale organizations. The use of internet advertising helps businesses reaches the widest number of customers across the globe. Parera (2018) compares internet advertising to the traditional means and concludes that computer application makes the access to the public more efficient affordable and quick. Parera (2018) emphasizes the importance of having a blog, social network and online marketing strategy. Internet advertising has also been advocated for enabling segmentation of the advertisement to reach specific clients for the available products and services within the organization.
Pratt (2018) also supports the application of ICT in solving organizational problems. Pratt (2018) claims that ICT has revolutionized the world today such that it has changed the manner in which people work in the organization. A typical example of ICT application in solving organizational problems is the use of robots in doing plenty of operations in the organization. The use of robots has helped in areas such as receiving calls from the customers and handling the requests presented by the clients in a more efficient and quick manner (Pratt, 2018). The application of ICT has helped not only in the growth of the business but also in economic development. According to Pratt (2018), ICT has brought about a digital age whereby people are moving away from the face to face interaction within the organization to the digital space. The ideology of digital space has enhanced time-saving hence better performance within the organization. Pratt (2018) claims that many institutions argue that organizations without ICT are left out of the opportunities presented by the program. Therefore, the competitiveness of such organizations in the market area is questionable. Such organizations may end up distinct with time if the corrective measures are not undertaken.
Rosenberg (2018) brings out the importance and application of the excel spreadsheet in business operations. Rosenberg (2018) argues that excel spreadsheet application applies majorly in the finance and accounting department of the companies. The major tasks relevant to the application of the excel spreadsheet include the outlining of the financial results, plans and organization budgets. Excel spreadsheet application is made up of different formulas used to convert different tasks that used to cover weeks before completion into a simple work that can be completed in a few minutes (Rosenberg, 2018). Therefore, the Excel spreadsheet application saves on time as suggested by Breitmeyer (2015). Excel spreadsheet also applies in the marketing department in listing the customers and sales targets (Rosenberg, 2018). Databases can also be used in managing human resources through the preparation of payrolls as per the total working hours of each staff within the organization (Rosenberg, 2018). Such a system helps enhance reliability and efficiency in the compensation programs of the employees.
Samsungcc.com.au. (2018) Emphasizes the importance of digitalization in enhancing the security in retail operations. The use of security cameras and the CCTV has helped improve the profitability of several retail businesses by minimizing the costs incurred through criminal operations. Some of the criminal operations minimized by digitalization include shoplifting and employee theft. Additionally, Samsungcc.com.au (2018) does not hesitate to support the argument presented by Rosenberg (2018) for it emphasizes on the importance of ICT to the marketing department. Samsungcc.com.au (2018) has also emphasized an ideology presented by Breitmeyer (2015) regarding the importance of ICT in management as it mentions how CCTV and security cameras help built responsible employees who in turn improve the entire productivity of the organization.
Ramey (2013) argues about the negative impact of computers. Ramey (2013) claims that computers require additional costs to hire and train the literate staff. A computer cannot operate organizational function s without getting instructed by an expert (Ramey, 2013). Therefore, the computers need additional expenses in training quality workers. However, Ramey (2013) does not hesitate to support the ideology of efficiency and time saving as presented by Pratt (2018). Ramey (2013) recommends for care while using computer applications to ensure that they serve the purpose of the organization for the achievement of the desired objectives.
References
Breitmeyer, R. (2018). What are the seven disadvantages of a manual system? Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-7-disadvantages-manual-system-richard-breitmeyer
Parera, E. (2018). The nine most effective methods for Internet advertising. Retrieved from https://postcron.com/en/blog/internet-advertising/
Pratt, M. (2018). What is ICT (information and communications technology, or technologies)? – Definition from WhatIs.com. Retrieved from https://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/ICT-information-and-communications-technology-or-technologies
Ramey, K. (2018). What are the Disadvantages and Advantages of computers In a Business? – Use of Technology. Retrieved from https://www.useoftechnology.com/disadvantages-advantages-computers/
Rosenberg, E. (2018). The Importance of Excel in Business. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/032415/importance-excel-business.asp
Samsungcc.com.au., (2018). How important is CCTV in the retail industry? Retrieved from https://www.samsungcc.com.au/blog/how-important-cctv-retail-industry