Information Technology (IT) is: "the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware." In short, IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve information, securely.
Today, the term Information Technology has ballooned to encompass many aspects of computing and technology, and the term is more recognizable than ever before. The Information Technology umbrella can be quite large, covering many fields. IT professionals perform a variety of duties that range from installing applications to designing complex computer networks and information databases. A few of the duties that IT professionals perform may include:
1. Data management
2. Computer networking
3. Database systems
4. Design Management
5. Information Systems
6. Systems management
7. Software design
IT departments in most organizations try to do its best to help organizations achieve their goals. Some of the IT departments are effective and some are not. Those who pursue their work with a purpose go farther than those who meander their way reacting to the situations as they arise. Those with purpose usually have a clear road map which is understood by most in the department as also by the users they serve.
COMPONENTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
Information Technology has many core components which often follow how an IT department is structured. These components include Hardware, Software, Networking & Communications Infrastructure, Business Intelligence & Reporting, Support, Leadership, Planning, and Governance.
Small organizations tend to have IT staff that wear many hats and perform several of the functions I've discussed. Larger organizations have a larger staff with more specific roles. Mostly of the activities that can be performed Includes:
1. IT support – This will help an Organization to get support related to all computer and related components. When either software or hardware are not functioning properly the IT support should be ready to provide help and to insure the IT equipment are well functioning all the time.
2. IT security – This is an important and essential function of IT personnel in an organization. Any organization that has a computer network or uses the internet potentially has a security problem. Any reasonable sized organization will need people with specialized skills to help protect their systems and data.
3.Computer networking – This is another area where by the IT personnel is needed to make sure the stuff in an organization are well connected and stay connected all the time so that they can perform their task as required and to help organization to increase the customer relation with the use of networking environment between the customer saved and organization to make sure the floor of information is in place.
IMPORTANCE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN AN ORGANIZATION:
Apart from the IT support, Security and Networking within organization it should also be known that information technology (IT) has become a vital and integral part of every business plan. From multi-national corporations who maintain mainframe systems and databases to small businesses that own a single computer, IT plays a role.
The reasons for the omnipresent use of computer technology in an organization can best be determined by looking at how it is being used across the organizations all over the world:
1. Communication – For many companies, email is the principal means of communication between employees, suppliers and customers. Email was one of the early drivers of the Internet, providing a simple and inexpensive means to communicate. Over the years, a number of other communications tools have also evolved, allowing staff to communicate using live chat systems, online meeting tools and video-conferencing systems. Voice over internet protocol (VOIP) telephones and smart-phones offer even more high-tech ways for employees to communicate.
2.Inventory Management – When it comes to managing inventory, organizations need to maintain enough stock to meet demand without investing in more than they require. Inventory management systems track the quantity of each item a company maintains, triggering an order of additional stock when the quantities fall below a pre-determined amount. These systems are best used when the inventory management system is connected to the point-of-sale (POS) system. The POS system ensures that each time an item is sold, one of those items is removed from the inventory count, creating a closed information loop between all departments.
3. Data Management – The days of large file rooms, rows of filing cabinets and the mailing of documents is fading fast. Today, most companies store digital versions of documents on servers and storage devices. These documents become instantly available to everyone in the company, regardless of their geographical location. Companies are able to store and maintain a tremendous amount of historical data economically, and employees benefit from immediate access to the documents they need.
4. Management Information Systems – storing data is only a benefit if that data can be used effectively. Progressive companies use that data as part of their strategic planning process as well as the tactical execution of that strategy. Management Information Systems (MIS) enable companies to track sales data, expenses and productivity levels. The information can be used to track profitability over time, maximize return on investment and identify areas of improvement. Managers can track sales on a daily basis, allowing them to immediately react to lower-than-expected numbers by boosting employee productivity or reducing the cost of an item.
5. Customer Relationship Management – Companies are using IT to improve the way they design and manage customer relationships. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems capture every interaction a company has with a customer, so that a more enriching experience is possible. If a customer calls a call center with an issue, the customer support representative will be able to see what the customer has purchased, view shipping information, call up the training manual for that item and effectively respond to the issue. The entire interaction is stored in the CRM system, ready to be recalled if the customer calls again. The customer has a better, more focused experience and the company benefits from improved productivity.
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