Capabilities & Limitations of Information and Communication Technology

Understand that ICT systems offer fast repetitive processing, vast storage capability and the facility to search and combine data in many different ways that would otherwise be impossible. Understand that the response speed of technology within ICT systems facilitates the use of feedback, e.g. maintenance of optimum stock levels, electronic fund/money management systems. Understand that there are limitations in the use of ICT systems and in the information they produce. Factors could include limitations in hardware, software and communications, in addition to inappropriate data models and data control mechanisms.

Fast Repetitive Processing Consider the processing power of a utility company such as London Electricity. Millions of meter readings are taken every month, and are entered continuously. The process involves the calculation of units used, the cost per unit times units used, the standing charge, any quarterly discounts or credit payments, VAT, as well as the customer personal details, and any direct debit payments. All the information is printed and sent to the customer.

Vast Storage Facilities The utility companies hold records on millions of customers. With the large capacity of hard drives, vast amounts of data may be stored electronically. A database is capable of searching for individual information quickly and in a meaningful form. Thousands of customers request details every day from bill queries to change of address. This is done by telephone, with customer services using a computer terminal to find the requested information.

BT BT maintains a massive database of all its customers and all the telephone calls they make. The time the calls are made are recorded for cheap and off-peak calls. The distance the calls are made are recorded, local or overseas. BT can tailor their marketing campaigns to certain customers using the information about their calls habits. IT systems can be used to deliver quality information that would be impossible to produce manually.

Feedback for the Maintenance of Optimum Stock Levels Many organisations hold stock, the levels need to be controlled. Storage of large stock levels is expensive, lower levels mean reduced costs. Sufficient amounts need to be kept to supply the customers. A feedback system is a system of stock control which matches closely the stock stored to the stock needed for customers.

Objectives of a Stock Control System Objectives of a Stock Control System To provide management with an up-to-date, and accurate stock situation To produce stock valuations for accounts and audits To monitor and adjust stock levels to optimise the stock held To re-order goods automatically when stocks fall below a minimum level To maintain adequate stocks just to meet customers demands

Developments Verbal communication with Operating System / Application. A terminal in every home to order shopping, banking etc. Combination of a TV, , internet, video and data (Sky digital). Video on demand select the film you want to view at the time you want to view it (Sky digital). Use of broadband and cable technology to deliver much more into the home.

Limitations on the use of ICT Hardware pushed to the limits? Processor speed, storage capacity? Consider the speed of inputting data? very slow at present how will this improve? Limitations: Software: easy to learn / use, common applications; Windows and Microsoft Office. Communications: Internet telephony, voice mail, teleconferencing, video conferencing. Bandwidth: measure of speed of data along a communication line, volume of data transferred per second.

Consequences of Computer Failure What are some examples of computer failure? –Consider: space travel, airliners, essential services, nuclear plants, military, banking, billing, personal records. –Consider economic failure, or health and safety failure.