INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. HARDWARE 1.MAINFRAME COMPUTERS Large computers that process huge amounts of info for a firm quickly However, they are expensive.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

HARDWARE

1. MAINFRAME COMPUTERS

• Large computers that process huge amounts of info for a firm quickly

• However, they are expensive and only used by very large organisations.

2. PERSONAL COMPUTERS

• Most common form of hardware.

• Can use a number of software packages.

• Can be linked to other PCs or equipment using a LAN or WAN.

3. INTERNET

• Worldwide system of computers.

• Accessible to millions of people.

• The Web is the most popular use of the Net.

• Can be used to do business. E-COMMERCE

WHY HAVE A COMPANY WEBSITE?

• Can be used to advertise your company to a wide audience.

• Can have an online shop that is open 24/7.

• Can sell to a wider market, opens new markets

• Can do online questionnaires.

• Give potential customers info about firm and products

• Let customers compare products

• Can gather information on your customers.

• Allows customers to email with queries.

4. ELECTRONIC MAIL

• Now replacing the normal mail system for many businesses.

• Can add attachments which can be sent anywhere in the world in an instant.

• Can send one email to various people.

• However, there has been an increase in the number of junk mail or spam.

• Reduces interpersonal skills.

• Only useful if people are trained and use the system.

5. TELETEXT

• Provides useful info for a business but in a read only format.

• Picked up through TV sets.

6. INTERACTIVE VIDEO

• These are used for training purposes.

• Trainee given scenarios/simulations where they have to make responses and see what happens with the choice they made.

• E.g. Flight simulations for pilots Hazard perception tests

7. VIDEO-CONFERENCING

• Used to hold a virtual meeting.

• Means that people who work in different locations or countries do not have to come to one place.

• Saves the firm travel and accommodation costs.

8. FAX

• Used to send an exact copy of a document to another machine.

• Usually very fast and low cost.

• Slowly being replaced by e-mail

9. EPOS

• Stands for ELECTRONIC POINT OF SALE

• Records the purchases made by customers, which can be used to identify trends and help with forward planning.

• Some firms, like Tesco, link the system with their loyalty card to get a customer profile.

SOFTWARE

1. WORD PROCESSING

• Used to produce documents, such as letters and memos.

• Documents can be easily edited and have thesaurus and spell checking facilities.

2. DATABASES

• An electronic filing cabinet used to store records.

• Records can be easily edited and updated.

• Use of mail merge allows standardised letters to be produced, inserting the correct names and addresses.

• In a database it is easy to search and sort info.

• Most database software will also allow you to produce reports to summarise info.

3. SPREADSHEETS

• This allows computers to do calculations by using formulae.

• Can use WHAT IF? This allows a manager to evaluation different courses of action.

• Can also be used to produce charts and graphs. E.g. Sales figures for the last 6 months for easy comparison.

4. DESK TOP PUBLISHING

• Allows users to produce materials, like newsletters and pamphlets, to a professional style.

5. PRESENTATION SOFTWARE

• Make slide show presentations that can be used for training purposes.

6. PERSONAL PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE

• Computerised accessories for the busy manager. Includes:

– Diary– Calender– Notepad– Address Book

ICT IN DECISION MAKING

• ICT greatly helps in the decision making process as it helps to process data into meaningful information.

• ICT gives easy access to a whole load of info that could help a firm make effective decisions.

ICT IN PRODUCTION

• ICT has lead to greater product research, design and testing.

• Computer Aided Design (CAD) helps to design products to a high quality.

• Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) has helped to produce high quality goods quickly, with less waste.

COSTS OF ICT

• Price of hardware and software• Cost of installation and upgrading• Cost of staff training• Loss of efficiency while getting use to system• Errors/glitches in the system = lost work time• Possibility of data loss• Possibility of work being stolen. COMMERICAL

ESPIONAGE/HACKING• Health and Safety concerns.

BENEFITS OF ICT

• Increased speed of info handling and decision making

• Flexibility of integrated systems• Increased efficiency• Enhanced reputation.• May get a competitive edge• Reduction in staff costs• Facilitates home working• Able to relocate to cost effective locations