In a society that seems to thrive on technology, “Does IT matter?” seems like a simple question. However, after a class discussion on the subject and reviewing Nicholas Carr’s article, “IT Doesn’t Matter,” there are definitely two sides to this issue.
IT Pros
IT provides a greener way to conduct business. As people become more aware of environmental issues, pressure is being placed on corporations to follow suit. Companies that utilize information technology (IT) greatly reduce their paper waste by transmitting and collecting data electronically rather than publishing hard copies of all information.
IT systems make companies much more efficient. The way space is utilized is improved. Documents that used to be stored in filing cabinets can now be stored on small chips. Time is also used more efficiently by company employees because access to company data is at their finger tips. Less time is spent tracking down documents that have been lost or misplaced. IT systems also prevent human error, from simply misspelling words to providing a safety net for catching process errors. Making a company efficient saves money in the end.
Industry connectivity and communication can be streamlined. Orders through the entire supply chain can be streamlined. Inventories can be closely and accurately monitored, so that the correct amount of goods is kept on hand. When the supply reaches a certain point, more is automatically ordered. This prevents backorders from stacking up and also prevents storing materials that have been over ordered.
IT systems provide flexibility. Allowing employees to be mobile can increase productivity. Some companies utilize systems that allow employees to work from anywhere in the world. Salespeople can place orders from the “road” or even as they conduct customer meetings, as opposed to the old method of placing orders once they return to their base.
IT Cons
IT causes harm to the environment. While paper waste may be reduced through IT, recycling old equipment has become a problem. Software developers often make programs compatible with “newer” computer models. Companies are continuously upgrading working computers simply to remain compatible with software (Carr 48). The problem then is how to dispose of the equipment. Many so called recycling centers, simply ship the unwanted electronics to developing countries. The remainder ends up in landfills.
IT is very costly. IT can be very expensive to implement if it is done ahead of the curve. It may take a while to recover implementation costs. Maintenance has also proven to be expensive. Technology has become one of the most monetary draining expenses incurred by today’s businesses (Carr 48). After systems have been implemented, companies must then spend additional money and time to train employees. Every time a system is upgraded, more training must occur.
IT makes a company more vulnerable. Computer hackers can steal vital information or embed viruses or worms that could cause a detrimental amount of damage to a business. There has been an increase in computer crimes because it is much more difficult to catch and prosecute the culprit.
IT makes it easy to outsource jobs. Due to the mobility provided by IT, certain jobs such as customer service can be conducted anywhere in the world. Thus, many jobs are being outsourced to places such as India, where labor is cheaper.
The list of pros and cons could go on and on. Whether IT matters or not is greatly dependent on perspective and the nature of the industry in which it is being used.
What is your perspective?
Do the benefits of IT outweigh the negative aspects?
Have we as a society become to dependent on technology?
Source: Carr, Nicholas G. “IT Doesn’t Matter.” Harvard Business Review . May 2003: 41-49.
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2 comments:
I absolutely believe that we have become a technologically dependent society. Think about it - what would we do without our cell phones, emails, blackberries, and computers? Our worlds would stand still. It has a major influence on how we live our lives everyday. Granted, there are many ways that technology has improved our world, like making communication instantaneous, but there are many ways in which it has not. I agree that the disposal of IT equipment is a large problem, but what about the non-tangible issues that we deal with day to day? Computer hackers and viruses, identity thievery, cyber bullying, the list goes on. Unfortunately, I think that technology in our era has been developed so quickly that its users have not had the chance to understand the responsibility necessary for its use. Technology is power, and with great power comes the need for great responsibility. Unfortunately, great responsibility and accountability is not always taken.
The paper trail is not smaller according to a recent national news agency and a website noted here explains our current use. http://www.woodconsumption.org/products/paper.pdf
Also, the toxic trash with heavy metals. Egad! what are we leaving for our children.
"IT" does matter but they need to be doing much more research into ways of cleaning up the act.
USB is a good example of working together for the common good.
We the consumers don't need to be buying the lastest greatest every six months either. Your sixteen year old will not die if they don't get the new blackberry. I promise!
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