Advantages of Information Technology

Introduction

The application of Information technology (IT) or Information and communications technology (ICT) to daily human activities has made tremendous impact on both businesses and individuals. IT is being applied in almost every aspect of human lives including health, social, education, leisure, work, businesses and communication.

Information technology is basically the application of the computer hardware and software mechanism to processes, management and distribution of information.

The key benefits of IT are better ways of processing, storing and managing information. Added to this is the automation of forecasting and planning.

Better Ways of Processing Information

Data processing is automated through the application of Information technology. Hence data and information can be processed with much more speed and accuracy.  At a very basic level, computers can be programmed to perform validity and verification checks on data to eliminate human errors during input and data capture.  These operations enhance reliability and consistency of data. With the use of computer software programs such as word processors, database applications, and spreadsheets, large amount of data can be processed faster and at lower costs.   

Better Ways of Storing and Managing Information

Computers have very large storage capacities. Tons of vital documents can be scanned and saved for future use. It is also possible to search millions of records and retrieve information within seconds. Today, some storage and data management solutions can provide:

• Durable and robust facilities for data storage

• Rapid and shared access to unlimited number of users simultaneously 

• Easy organisation of data, expert indexing and cataloguing functions

• Security and protection to sensitive documents

Forecasting and Planning

With automated and processed information, users of computers can tap into the additional functions and capability of information systems. These capabilities include forecasting and planning, which enhances decision making functions of any organisation.

Specific areas that have benefited from the use of Information technology are socialization and global interaction, entertainment, communication, economy, education and health. Seven areas of advantages are listed below.

1. Socialisation and Global interaction 

Through the use of IT, it has become very easy to socialise and interact with people globally. This is made possible with the use of technologies such chat rooms, social networking sites and enhanced mobile gadgets.

2. Entertainment

Increasingly, high technology applications are being developed and released into the society. These software and hardware technologies provide easy access to a wide range of entertainments that can be access from home using the mobile and Internet network.

3. Communication

ICT has had extraordinary positive impact on global communication. Some years back, getting message across to someone in another country may take days or months. Business men have to fly thousands of miles across the world to attend a one hour meeting. Now, these arranged within minutes and at very low cost from the comfort of your own home.

4. Global Economic Advancement

A major advantage of information technology is the advancement of global economy.  The trend is tuned towards global investment, trading and more opportunities for competitive advantage. The growth of e-commerce has brought opportunities for small business to expand and big firms to go global. Increase in labour productivity has been attributed to the use of IT.

5. Education

Education has advanced beyond the use of traditional classrooms. The world is now in the age of e-learning, or technology enhanced learning. Learners are no longer restricted by time or distance; they can learn anywhere and any time.

6. Health

The integration of information and communications technology into the health sector system has brought about enhancement and quality to the health care delivery system. Two major benefits are reduction in medication and prescription errors and enhancement of decision making with the use of computer based decision support systems. 

7. Assistive Technology

The use of assistive technologies such as Braille writers, trackballs, joysticks and many others enable persons with disabilities to function independently, at home, work and in education.

Concluding Comments

Major barriers to the use of IT include cost of investment, access to the Internet and resistance to technology.

A major disadvantage of IT is that technologies become obsolete very quickly. For individuals, firms and organisations to keep up with technology advancement, there is need for reinvestment and training. Other disadvantages include security threats (such as malicious software attacks) and loss of privacy.

See also

Advantages of Information Technology in Business

Advantages of Information Technology in Education

Role of Information Technology in Business

Advantages of ICT

What is information Technology?

Information Technology Basics