5 -14 Level D/E - Uses of IT in Society
In this section, we will look at how Information Technology may be used in a NATIONAL SETTING.
Computers and other devices may be used by:-
Industry
and
Business
Industry
Many industries use technology to help them speed up their work, produce better products and do dangerous jobs. Here are some examples of how they might do this:-
| Industry |
Uses Made of Technology |
| Car Manufacture |
Computers are used to control robots which are used to weld parts of cars together and to spray paint the body work of cars.
The advantage of this is that:-
- the quality of work done will always be of a high standard;
- the robots take over work which humans find boring;
- more work can be done in the same time
- less dangerous work is carried out by workers
The disadvantage of using computers and robots in car manufacture is that:-
- the cost of the computers, robots and software is very high
- some workers in the car manufacture industry may lose their jobs
|
| Controlling Chemical Plants |
Computers can be used to monitor and control the mixing of dangerous chemicals in factories or plants.
The advantage of this is that:-
- the chemicals can be measured and mixed more accurately under computer control;
- there is less danger to human life if computers rather than people are involved;
- there is less chance of errors being made which might result in explosions;
- the computers can be reprogrammed to mix different types of chemicals.
The disadvantages are:
- workers in a chemical plant may lose their jobs after computers have been introduced;
- the high initial cost of computers and software to control chemical mixing.
|
| Newspaper Industry |
Computers are used to make up and publish newspapers.
The advantage of this is that:
- the pages can be view and changed before printing;
- stories can be word processed and sent to the editor's office from around the country, already in electronic form;
- the speed at which pages can be made up is now much faster.
The disadvantages of using computers in the newspaper industry are:-
- print workers will lose their jobs;
- the high initial cost of computers and desk top publishing packages.
|
Business
Many business use computers and information technology to cope with large amounts of information, reduce the amount of paper and provide better communication within their business.
| Business |
Uses Made of Technology |
| Banks |
Banks make use of Information Technology to reduce paperwork and speed up deposits and withdrawals.
The advantage to banks is:-
- there is less paperwork because information about bank accounts is stored on computer and not on paper;
- fast communications and autotellers allow people to withdraw money when away from home;
- less mistakes are made when deposits and withdrawals are made because computers perform calculations very accurately.
The disadvantages of using computers:-
- banks become the target of hackers who try to commit fraud by transferring money electronically;
- fewer jobs are available for new employees because more work can be carried out by the same amount of bank staff.
|
| Mail Order Companies |
Mail order companies use computers to process telephone orders for goods.
The advantages of this are:-
- a better service to customers - faster delivery of goods to the customer because less time is taken processing their orders;
- detailed information on popular goods is immediately available to the company;
- the computers can a give information about customers buying habits so that they can be targeted with special offers.
The disadvantages are:-
- the mail order company may sell customer information to other companies - people don't like this;
- private individuals receive more junk mail.
|
| Supermarkets |
Supermarkets use computers to speed up customer flow at the check-outs and to get detailed information on the levels of stock.
The advantages are:-
- customers spend less time queuing at check-outs;
- goods are always in stock
- there is less wastage of fresh goods.
The disadvantages are:-
- the high cost of the computer hardware and software;
- less office staff are required so their will be less jobs available.
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