Information Technology Does Not Matter

There are certainly more than a few businesses and individuals that claim Information Technology (IT) does not matter. Many small and medium sized companies use tried and true methods of manual bookkeeping, order processing, packing and shipping, marketing, etc. with great success. Often there is resistance to converting to more costly and complicated methods of performing simple tasks. Computers are seen as a waste of time and money that can better be spent producing product and profit.

If the focus is on profitability, computers offer a huge distraction to that objective. Employees use them to play games, communicate with friends and conduct personal business on company time. The argument that computers save time and improve productivity is offset by the inability of management to control employees use of the resource.

These are just a few of the reasons given by companies that refuse to implement information systems (IS) into their business. Although the arguments against using computers in the workplace are valid, most of the problems are inherent to business in general and are not exclusive to the IT environment. For instance, there are always challenges in movtivating employees and providing a productive work environment. Company policies must address the human tendency toward laziness regardless of the implementation of IT.

There is also validity to the argument that IT is expensive to implement even though the price per byte is lower than ever. The very act of converting from old methods to new methods of operating is disruptive to the flow of business. In many cases, the conversion may take years to achieve. During that time there are costs incurred for duplicating efforts. Even after successful installation, there are occasional system failures and further disruption to business. Many companies choose to continue using pen and paper because the risk of loosing control is greater than the benefit of increased productivity.

While there are challenges to the transition from antiquated methods of operation to a computer based system, it is impossible to deny that IT has affected the way business is done everywhere. Even the companies which have resisted implementing information systems in house cannot deny that IT has changed the very landscape of the entire business world. From transportation to banking, from communication to manufacturing and from energy to government, all aspects of business and life in general are affected by IT. Even the "Mom and Pop" store on the corner is dependent on IT for their business. Credit card receipts, UPS shipments and electricity would not be available without the benefits of IT.

Information technology has become so ubiquitous that we take it for granted. Virtually every aspect of life is touched by its presence. IT is essential to every car, appliance and TV broadcast. Even Maslow's basic needs of food, clothing and shelter are dependent today on IT. As IT becomes more of a commodity, its effects will be even less noticeable, but no less profound. It is impossible to imagine life as we know it without information technology.