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Introducing New Technology
Introduction
New technology is being introduced at an alarming speed, even more as we have entered the 21st century. In some way these advances will effect, if not already, the way that your business operates and competes in the future. Can you afford to work without these changes or is it essential that you keep up with technological advances to keep your business pushing forward? The following article will help you determine an answer by outlining the impact of introducing new technology.
New technology can be put into different categories that will help you understand the different effects they could have:
A NEW PRODUCT/SERVICE: For example, mini-discs, lap-top computers, interactive TV (for home shopping, games, banking, etc)
NEW BUSINESS OPERATIONS: For example, automatic cash tills, computer aided design (CAD), e-mail, remote working, etc
A NEW PRODUCTION PROCESS: For example, ordering, invoicing to robotic arm manufacturing...
NEW MATERIALS: For example, silicon chips (computers), polystyrene packaging, etc
What is Technology?
There are many different terms for 'technology' but in general, it is better known as:
'something that uses a human, scientific or material approach to solve problems to result in increased efficiency.'
For a common example, you are using technology now to read this: a computer. You may also use your computer to send e-mails instead of sending letters through the post: more efficient- getting the idea? Information Technology will be discussed further later in the article.
Keeping up with one of the most recent technology fashions- mobile phones: you use these so that you keep in contact with people if you leave the premises.
What Can be Considered as New Technology?
Simply, it can be classed as technology that has just been introduced and is available to all. It may be the introduction of something completely new or even the development of something that already exists.
Introduction of new technology:
Without going into specifics, It all begins with an invention or an idea not only by people within businesses, but also by independent people. For an extreme example, the idea of using photonics (light) in medical equipment has recently given the breakthrough of new procedures such as 'key hole surgery'.
Development of existing technology:
Right now, there is a continuous development and introduction of new technology, for example, with computers: digital cameras, laser printing, web cams (conferencing), processors (Pentium 4 now available), the list can go on.
Introducing Information Technology into Your Business:
Today, perhaps the most popular introduction of new technology in a small business is the use of Information Technology (IT). It may be that your business currently uses IT in the workplace to assist daily operations but are you using it to the full potential?
Administration - Invoicing
The current requirements are that you keep a hard copy of your invoices for six-years: the government is now allowing some degree of relaxation in this area (see Customs & Excise). But the six-year rule should not stop you from sending and receiving invoices by email and then printing a hard copy: this will result in more co operation between supplier and customer, plus quicker communication. Invoicing and ordering are similar in procedure and once you use both of these tasks on-line it is a major step towards e-commerce.
Communications
The popular way of sending/receiving documents and information with speed is via e-mail. This method sends the information through telephone wires to the end location within seconds. Quite recently, mobile phones have been adapted so they can use e-mail and have access to the Internet.
Trading
IT can be used as a form of trading and this is mainly done via the Internet (also known as e-commerce). The rise in popularity of the Internet has pushed businesses into using the facility to sell their products/service. It is also used for the opposite reason where purchases can be made instantly via the Internet. The introduction of new Internet connection technology (broadband) has further built up the Interest of users.
Production
If your business has a production line, IT can be installed to control the many procedures that may be involved. For example, lasers can be installed for quality control and computers can be programmed to operate machinery (start/stop, etc).
Research
Again, the most popular use of IT for research is accessing the Internet. The Internet offers a wide range of information which can be helpful for researching business projects: this is as true for the small business as for larger ones.
Administration
With the use of computers, regular tasks (updating records, writing letters, etc) can be completed and recorded with accuracy and speed using appropriate software (Excel, Word, Access, etc). This information can then be easily recovered for future viewing and interaction such as faxing and invoicing. This procedure also reduces the need for filing.
Other uses may include keeping records of operations in the business (sales, turnover, stock figures, etc), employee details and customer/supplier information. This information can again be easily accessed when required.
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