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Document 8

The document discusses both the benefits and drawbacks of technology adoption in businesses. It notes that while technology can improve efficiency, automation, security, and employee monitoring, it also brings expenses, security risks, potential for employee disconnection and distraction. Overall, the document argues that while technology adoption faces challenges, the benefits generally outweigh the costs, and businesses should hire professionals to help implement technologies appropriately.

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Abdullah ghauri
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251 views3 pages

Document 8

The document discusses both the benefits and drawbacks of technology adoption in businesses. It notes that while technology can improve efficiency, automation, security, and employee monitoring, it also brings expenses, security risks, potential for employee disconnection and distraction. Overall, the document argues that while technology adoption faces challenges, the benefits generally outweigh the costs, and businesses should hire professionals to help implement technologies appropriately.

Uploaded by

Abdullah ghauri
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CASE STUDY 3:

Why do some companies in a given industry, like eCourier


above, adopt and deploy innovative technologies while others
in the same line of business do not? Break into small groups
with your classmates to discuss what characteristics of
companies could influence their decision to innovate with the
use of information technologies.
Those in business have come to rely on technology to keep them up-to-date, overcome the competition and
inspire innovation. Technology is seamlessly integrated into everyday lives, as it is used to manage inventory,
track contacts, make products and provide speedy internal and external communication venues. However,
technology can also be a source for lost profits

Expenses
Having cutting-edge technology is an ongoing expense. There are initial purchasing costs, as well as ongoing
maintenance, updates and training expenses. Should a system failure occur, loss of revenue can result due to
loss of services rendered or product production halted. Technology also needs to be updated periodically,
requiring continued investment.

Security
With cases frequently in the news, it is no surprise that there is a risk of cyber crime when utilizing
technology. According to a U.S. Department of Justice news release, people as young as 21 are running
technology-based crime rings, stealing consumer information and costing customers and companies millions
of dollars. A 2007 Computer Security Institute survey reported there was $21.1 million lost due to financial
fraud, $8.4 million to viruses, $6.9 million by system penetration by an outsider and $5.7 million due to
confidential data theft. In addition to those problems were insider abusers costing organizations money due
to mobile hardware theft and abuse of email or Internet privileges.

Disconnectedness
With technology playing such a large role in the workplace, people have become disconnected from final
products and each other. Job tasks are often delineated; therefore, fewer people are a part of the final
creation. This can lead to dissatisfaction or workplace boredom. In addition to this, as more employees utilize
technology in everyday communication, messages are being misunderstood, often making workers appear
rude. People reading email, texts or instant messages, for instance, cannot accurately measure tone or utilize
body language as points of reference. However, venues such as video conferencing eliminated some
communication obstacles.
Distractions
Aside from issues ceasing work production such as system failures, interruptions can include email and
instant messages. According to CNET News, on average, it takes eight minutes for a person to return to a
creative state. Some business people, such as Dan Russell, senior manager with IBM’s Almaden Research
Center, has embraced daily disconnection. He checks email only twice daily and occasionally schedules out-
of-office time to get creative. There are other forms of technology vying for employee time including online
games, music and videos.

Technology adapts continually, which makes it difficult for businesses to keep up. However, the fast pace isn't
a good reason to avoid adopting technology in business practices. There are many benefits of using
technology. Business owners should hire professionals if they are unsure how to implement new technology
and how it benefits their businesses specifically.

Overall Business Efficiency


Businesses operate more efficiently when they use technology correctly. Digitizing files makes it easy to
customize documents such as user agreements and contract templates. Communication is instant with email
and the ability to send documents back and forth during negotiations. Customers can get information on
websites and request information any time of the day or night using online forms.

Software programs continue to improve and make data collection and interpretation more powerful.
Customer relationship management software records everything from client information to follow-up
calendars, buying history and propensity patterns. This information makes it possible for a sales team to
manage prospects and solidify client relationships effectively.

Automation of Operations
Different businesses have different needs. Wherever a business can automate a process, it can redirect
financial and labor resources. Automation can occur in numerous areas such as when staying in touch with
customers, tracking packages for delivery, or noting miles driven by delivery truck drivers. For example, fast
food restaurants are implementing ordering kiosks to focus labor resources on efficiently getting food into
customers' hands.

Many companies are moving training programs to automated web-based programs and company education
centers, which makes it easier for employees to learn new information and expand personal skills. It also
allows people to repeat modules without costing the business any more in training costs.

Business Security
Information security is a big issue every day. Hackers and thieves steal consumer information and company
proprietary information daily, but technology can protect company information. If there is one key benefit to
businesses that should be updated and continuously monitored, it is digital security. Hackers can interrupt
business operations, cost companies thousands of dollars, and cause businesses to fall under public scrutiny.

Security goes well beyond firewalls and anti-virus software. Digitally linked security systems protect
businesses from vandalism and theft. Not only do systems provide real-time alerts, but they also provide
diversion tactics such as alarms. Some systems give business owners a way to speak directly to vandals from
a remote location via phone, informing intruders that they are on camera and identified.

Employee Monitoring
Businesses can better manage large teams using technology. Applications track customer service call times,
which helps managers understand where lag times exist and provide opportunities for coaching. Speed and
GSP tracking of drivers support a positive public image of employees who realize they can't get away with
poor behavior. The right technology automatically tracks sales numbers and potential sales, which gives
managers control of leading indicators rather than lagging behind.

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