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Business process improvements and problem-solving
Computerizing operations and effectively utilizing computers and networks can make business activities more efficient.
However, simply computerizing the current operations will not make them
more efficient if they are not adapted appropriately. Problems and points of
improvement need to be identified beforehand by conducting the activities
outlined in the business or enterprise strategy to better understand and organize the business process.
When doing so, it is important to analyze the problematic results within
the business process and their causes, find techniques to resolve any problems, and think about how the process can be improved to make it more
efficient.
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Reference
Computer literacy
“Computer literacy” refers to the possession of knowledge and skills necessary to perform assigned work or desired task using a computer.
Specifically, it is the know-how of basic
computer processes, features, systems,
and operations that affords the ability to
use the most appropriate hardware or
software for a given situation. By acquiring computer literacy, it is possible
to determine what operations would
benefit from building a full-fledged system and what operations could be sufficiently handled with commercially available office tools.
Reference
Information Literacy
“Information literacy” refers to the ability
to fully utilize information. For example,
using information technology such as
computers and application software to
search through large volumes of data
and identify necessary information, sorting out the necessary information,
sending out information summaries,
compiling and analyzing information,
and identifying trends in the information
compiled.
By acquiring information literacy, it is
possible to utilize information to solve
problem s, make decisions, and propose
solutions. Training and educational activities are necessary to facilitate the
acquisition of information literacy.
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Effective use of IT
Many companies are currently promoting IT as a means of improving and
streamlining operations. The computer and information literacy of the individual users is vital to the integration of IT. Smooth communication
within the company achieved through effective use of IT and related tools,
can help improve and streamline operations.
(1)Streamlining of operations through computerization
There are several methods for computerization and they will vary depending on the business process content to be computerized and the environment. It is important to determine how the computerization process will be
implemented based on the business or enterprise strategy.
The methods of computerization and their characteristics and benefits are
summarized below.
●Installation of office tools
In order to carry out the operations efficiently, it is necessary to select the
optimal tools for a particular purpose. For example, when preparing presentation materials or a product pamphlet, a better-looking, higher quality
product can be created more efficiently by using graphics software that is
equipped with DTP functions. Another example would be managing the
company’s customers. If the number is small, word processing or spreadsheet software could be used to manage them. If the number of customers
or items to manage becomes larger, database or special customer management software would be more effective. It could also be used to send direct
mail advertisements and perform customer analyses.
It is important to select the right software according to the purpose and
cost when looking to streamline operations.