2. Computer in Business
Almost everyone is aware that Information
Technology (IT) has played a very significant role
in taking businesses to new heights. Before the
advent of computers and relevant
technology, business were totally done using
manual resources. As a result, the time taken to
complete a task was more, quality of work was not
up to the mark, and the procedures also tended to
be more complicated. However, as computers
started to be used in businesses
establishments, the processing of work got more
stabilized.
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3. The Impact of Computers in Business
The business process is under the IT
revolution, which is transforming the way
we do the business. The way our basic
business operations like decision making,
customer services, operations, marketing
strategies, financial management, Human
Resources management, etc. are done are
being reformed with the use of computers.
Most of our current day business operations
are dependent on computers either partially
or entirely.
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4. Computers are used in every industry and
type of business today. They come in many
different forms and new uses are being
developed constantly thanks to evolving
technology. While consumers use
computers to communicate and entertain,
businesses are primarily interested in
computer technology as it relates to
completing projects and handling specific
business activities. From this practical
standpoint, computers have had an
important impact on nearly every level of
business operation. 3
5. BASIC REASONS FOR THE USE OF IT IN BUSINESS
⢠Efficient Business Operations
⢠Better Managerial Decision Making
⢠Gaining Competitive Advantage.
⢠Business Process Re-Engineering
⢠Solving Business Problems
⢠Globalization of Business
⢠Spontaneous Activity
⢠Office Automation
⢠Communication & Collaboration
⢠Electronic Commerce
⢠Interactive Marketing Etc.
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6. MAJOR FIELDS IN BUSINESS WHERE
COMPUTING WHERE LARGELY USED
1.Inventory Control and Management
-Inventory control and management
is a crucial process, especially in
establishments related to retail and
production. Computers are used for
recording all aspects of the goods coming
in, details of goods and
services, distribution of stock, and storage
details. Note, that in small retail and
production firms, simple computer software
are generally used. Whereas in large
corporations, Enterprise Resource Planning
(ERPs) are employed.
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7. MAJOR FIELDS IN BUSINESS WHERE
COMPUTING WHERE LARGELY USED
2.Accounts and Payroll Management
Accounting and payroll management is also
believed to be an important part of the
overall system in a company. Be it any
kind of industry; computers are largely
used for the purpose of managing accounts
of
administration, sales, purchases, invoices,
and also payroll management, which
includes recording financial details of
employees. These are just some
components of the accounts and payroll
management system where computing is
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used.
8. MAJOR FIELDS IN BUSINESS WHERE
COMPUTING WHERE LARGELY USED
3.Database_Management
Database management is associated with
filing and recording, managing, and
retrieval of data whenever required. For
smooth running of businesses, it is very
important that they have all procedures
and details stored. This storage of data is
done with the help of large databases and
servers which have to be maintained on a
regular basis. These information databases
and servers are controlled by computers by
appropriate authorities in a company.
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9. MAJOR FIELDS IN BUSINESS WHERE
COMPUTING WHERE LARGELY USED
4.Software_Development
It can be said that for every computing
need, a software has to be used. Software
can only be made using computers for the
purpose of helping businesses to combine
processes and carry out their work
properly. Nowadays, ERPs are largely used
in business to blend all their processes
together and execute the output as
expected. There are many other software
and application packages that a business
may need to use according to the nature of
work.
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10. Computer Uses in Business
Technology has forever changed the
business world. In order to stay
technically competitive and efficient in
todayâs information age, the majority of
businesses now rely on computers.
Computer uses in business range from
the scanner at the checkout line of the
grocery store to the ATM at the bank and
the monitor listing flight arrivals and
departures at the airport. In fact, when
we really stop to look around, it seems
that computer uses in business have
grown too numerous to count.
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11. This certainly explains the push of
schools, colleges and universities around the
world to offer courses, majors and degrees
in the fields of computer science and
information technology. It comes as no
surprise that the number of computer
related occupations will continue to grow in
coming years.
But the question that remains is; which
businesses and professions are most
computer oriented, and what are the
current and future uses of computers in
the business world? 10
12. âŚCommunication/networking
The world may have
grown smaller in the
internet age, but only
because the power of
communication has
grown by leaps and
bounds. The top
computer uses in
business include e-mail
communication, and networking such as
video and web conferencing, social
networking, and various other online chat
tools. Even faxing, which has become
increasingly obsolete in light of new
technologies, is still a relevant business
use of the computer. 11
13. ...Search Engines and Browsing
Computers have provided us with instant
access to a world of information. To stay
competitive, businesses must utilize search
engines such as Google or yahoo to obtain
real time information and news and conduct
research.
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14. âŚFinancial Transactions/E-Commerce
Retail purchases,
credit card
transactions,
automatic debits⌠can
all be processed over
computers, and
through the internet
today. Banks, credit
card companies, and other financial
institutions are some of the best examples
of computer uses in business. E-commerce
is a rapidly growing industry, promising to
become one of the top computer related
professions in the future. 13
15. âŚStorage, Archival and Retrieval
Thousands and
thousands of
manuscripts,
files, charts or
other document
types can be
stored on a tiny
microchip. In
the old days, businesses needed file
cabinets or warehouses to store pertinent
records and data. Today, data management
is easy, thanks to computers and computer
products that enable businesses to
organize, store, and easily retrieve critical
information. 14
16. âŚDesign and Presentation
Just a few short decades ago, artists were
still creating business documents by hand.
The advent of graphic design, digital
photography and printing technology has
enabled businesses to display information
more clearly and artistically.
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17. âŚOrganization
The ease with which
databases, spreadsheets and data can be
compiled on a computer has certainly
improved the efficiency and management
practices of businesses worldwide. Many
offices now uses computer programs to
handle
scheduling, accounting, billing, inventory
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18. âŚDocument Processing
Word Processing, for
letters, manuscripts, proposals, etc has
revolutionized the business world.
Today, many professionals would actually
feel lost without simple editing tools such
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as spell check.
19. âŚTelecommuting and Remote Business
Portable laptop computers, smart phones,
wireless internet, air cards and hub spots
are the wave of the future when it comes to
computer uses in business. Today, business
can be conducted remotely from almost
anywhere.
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20. âŚMarketing
So much of marketing has gone online.
Social media marketing, website
development, blogging, advertising, e-
newsletters have all become swift means of
marketing in an increasingly globalized
society.
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21. âŚE-learning,Web-based Training and
Software Packages
Electronically
supported
training
programs are
made possible
by computers.
Educational
software, web
training
programs and virtual classrooms are all
highly utilized in the business world,
enabling professionals to learn new skills
advance their careers.
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22. âŚOTHER USES
⢠Accounting ⢠Customer
-Business success Interaction
is dependent upon -Computers now
accuracy. Many assist human call
businesses use centers with
accounting answering customer
software and questions, taking
ledgering systems payments and
to ensure the providing general
accuracy of their assistance. The
financial status. automated voice
systems are available
with unrestricted
hours and are always
friendly. 21
23. âŚOTHER USES
⢠Scheduling ⢠Websites and
-Scheduling is of Advertising
great importance to -The combination
many of websites,
businesses, especia advertising and
lly businesses marketing provide
involved in a swift means to
manufacturing and vast business
deliveries. globalization.
Scheduling systems Websites helps the
allow businesses to companies to have
ensure they are an ease in-touch to
meeting their goals the market
while being 22
efficient.
24. Types of Applications Used in
Business
There is a computer application for just
about every purpose you can imagine.
Software is constantly being written,
tested, and marketed to meet every
conceivable business need.
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25. Word Processing Programs
Word processing programs are
software applications designed to
create documents that are primarily
text but that may contain a few
graphics. Businesses use them to:
⢠Write letters and memos
⢠Produce research papers and reports
⢠Develop business and marketing plans
⢠Write contracts
⢠Take notes and record meeting minutes
⢠Create announcements
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26. Database Programs
Database programs are applications
that allow users to
store, sort, find, choose, and
organize information. The power of
the database is its ability to link
information together. Companies
use databases to:
⢠Maintain customer lists
⢠Catalog furniture and assets for insurance
records
⢠Manage time and track billable hours
⢠Catalog personnel records
⢠Track the searches and purchases of clients 25
visiting Web sites
27. Spreadsheet Programs
Spreadsheet programs are used to
organize, calculate, and analyze
numerical data. Businesses use
them to:
⢠Develop budgets
⢠Analyze financial performance
⢠Track loans or mortgages
⢠Calculate and produce a payroll
⢠Manage business assets
⢠Track sales and service
⢠Conduct marketing research
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28. Desktop Publishing Programs
The invention and rapid development of
desktop publishing programs
illustrates both the computerâs
creative potential and its usefulness
for business.
Marketers use desktop publishing
programs to:
⢠Create layouts for newsletters, books, brochures,
and advertisements
⢠Create professional-looking forms, such as
invoices and project planning sheets
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29. Graphics and Design Programs
Graphics and design programs are
software applications for creating
and modifying images, including:
⢠Drawings
⢠Designs
⢠Photographs
⢠Design promotion materials
⢠Create logos and letterheads
⢠Illustrate floor plans and furniture
arrangements
⢠Create professional-looking illustrations
⢠Create images for presentations 28
30. Presentation Software
Presentation software produces
slide shows or multimedia
presentations. These programs can
be used by marketers to:
⢠Prepare verbal and visual copy for meetings
⢠Present and discuss ideas interactively over the
Internet
⢠Create slide shows using pictures or Web pages
⢠Add voice narration to accompany visual
material
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31. Web Page Editors
Many businesses use their Web sites to
promote their companies and products
and to stay connected to their
customers. Web sites generally contain
an initial home page X which is the
entry point for a Web site.
In the past, Web pages were created
using a complicated code called
hypertext markup language
(HTML) X, but today, special
programs can create Web pages using
word processors or publishing
programs. 30
32. Communications Programs
Communications programs enable
users to communicate with others
around the world through their
computers. The key to any
communication software is connecting
to some kind of network.
Broadband technology is a high-speed
connection that transmits information
through special phone or TV cable
lines. This technology allows for
videoconferencing, which can reduce
expenses for business travel. 31