Technology Pro and Cons
Benefit: Saving Money
Technology limits the need for people to be in the same physical location, for example when companies hold a teleconference with several employees located in different branches or when they allow employees to telecommute from home. In some cases, this can save companies money because they do not have to pay travel expenses. When employees use technology for telecommuting, they can work in the comfort of their home instead of traveling to a workplace.
Benefit: Saving Time
Technology can decrease the time it takes to accomplish a task, which can ultimately save money and increase productivity. Communication speed also increases. Instead of sending a message by postal mail, using email or fax can deliver it instantaneously. Technology can also speed up various manufacturing processes, as machines and computers can do work that was once performed by humans more quickly and efficiently.
Drawback: Dependency
On the downside, the use of technology doesn't always result in greater efficiency. Companies that depend heavily on computer systems to conduct business can come to a virtual standstill if the system breaks down. There is typically a learning curve that accompanies the introduction of a new process, which can lead to a loss in productivity and disgruntled employees. For employees who telecommute and experience computer problems, it may be more difficult to receive timely technical support.
Drawback: Need to Upgrade
Some technologies contain features that need to be upgraded regularly, which can result in an additional expense for the company. For example, companies may need to change computer software frequently just to keep up with industry trends. Entire computer systems may also need upgrading every year or two. Companies that employ telecommuters may face the additional expense involved with sending a computer technician to a worker's home to install new equipment or programs.
Effects on Customers
Technology can have both a
Technology limits the need for people to be in the same physical location, for example when companies hold a teleconference with several employees located in different branches or when they allow employees to telecommute from home. In some cases, this can save companies money because they do not have to pay travel expenses. When employees use technology for telecommuting, they can work in the comfort of their home instead of traveling to a workplace.
Benefit: Saving Time
Technology can decrease the time it takes to accomplish a task, which can ultimately save money and increase productivity. Communication speed also increases. Instead of sending a message by postal mail, using email or fax can deliver it instantaneously. Technology can also speed up various manufacturing processes, as machines and computers can do work that was once performed by humans more quickly and efficiently.
Drawback: Dependency
On the downside, the use of technology doesn't always result in greater efficiency. Companies that depend heavily on computer systems to conduct business can come to a virtual standstill if the system breaks down. There is typically a learning curve that accompanies the introduction of a new process, which can lead to a loss in productivity and disgruntled employees. For employees who telecommute and experience computer problems, it may be more difficult to receive timely technical support.
Drawback: Need to Upgrade
Some technologies contain features that need to be upgraded regularly, which can result in an additional expense for the company. For example, companies may need to change computer software frequently just to keep up with industry trends. Entire computer systems may also need upgrading every year or two. Companies that employ telecommuters may face the additional expense involved with sending a computer technician to a worker's home to install new equipment or programs.
Effects on Customers
Technology can have both a