Uses of Computers in Business- its Advantages and Disadvantages

Computers help in Research, Production, Distribution, Marketing, Banking, Team Management, Business Automation, Data Storage, Employee Management and are very helpful to increase productivity at a lower cost, consuming less time with high quality.

Every business house is dependent on computers. Without computer business will be immensely hampered. In today's world it is not possible to run an operation or day to day affairs of a business house without using computers.

How do Computer affect Business?

One of the greatest contribution of computers in the context of business administration has been, it's ability to to boost productivity & deliver the goods with minimal fuss. It helps the employees to meet the deadlines within the stipulated time, thereby enhancing the reputation of the Organisation & increasing the overall profitability ratio.

Computer reduces overhead expenses, support the ecosystem of the Organisation and facilitates better coordination amongst various branches of the Organisation bringing about more clarity, transparency  & accountability into the system.

What are the different uses of computers in Business applications?

Computer is used for a wide range of activities. It's has become an integral part of any business operation. There is no other alternative which is as effective as computers are, at least in the context of business world.

Let it Business communication, Marketing, Advertisement, Distribution of goods, Sales related activity, Promotion of products, Data mining, Design & Graphics or for that matter maintaining various Books of  Accounts Computer has totally taken over business operation in every domain. We may or may not like it , but we are left with no other option but to fall back on Computers.

20 uses of Computers Business 

• Business forecasting.
• Business Analysis.
• Payroll Calculation.
• Stock maintenance.
• Preparing various Books of Accounts.
• Maintaining Database.
• Quality Control.
• Product Design.
• Product development.
• Presentation & Business seminars.
• Social Media.
• Business.
• Industries.
• Hospitality Sector.
• Retail.
• Arts & Entertainment.
• E- Commerce.
• Weather Forecasting.
• Robotics.
• Science & Technology.

Advantages of Computers in business:

Computer brings to the table enormous advantages, mentioned below:

1)Accuracy - It has the capacity to produce accurate result and is regarded as a device which is meticulous, if used in the right fashion.

2) Speed - One of the biggest hallmark of computer has been the fact that it is fast which helps in completing tasks within the stipulated time.

3) Versatility - It's a machine which could be put to use for various task. It won't be unfair, if we describe computer as a device which is capable of doing multitasking in business world.

4) Saves time - Computer saves time, as it facilitates speedy functioning of various activities which are of immense value from business point of view.

5) Increased connectivity - It facilitates better connectivity amongst employees  of the Organisation. It also supports the business unit to keep in touch with suppliers, vendors & third party entities.

Disadvantages of Computers in Business world:

1) Needs maintenance - Just like any other technical device, we have to take care of computers. One needs to bear the maintenance cost of using computers, as it may not remain in operational mode all the time. It will suffer from wear & tear and it must be repaired on time.

2) It is as good as the user - Computer acts based on the instructions it receives from the user. It cannot act on it's own. If incorrect data is feed into the system then Computer will not be able to detect the same. The effectiveness of the user, makes the computer look like a potent device.

3) Over dependence - All the major Organisation tends to depend heavily on Computers. If the computer system crashes in that event it can have devastating impacts, so necessary precaution must be taken with proper back up storage facilities.

4) Can impact job creation - Computer is a machine which can function very effectively, reducing the need of involving lot of employees. In some jobs minimal human intervention is required, when computer is put to use. It's a deterrent in creating job avenues especially for those who wants to work using the traditional methods.

Uses of Computers in various sectors

1. Banking Industry: 

To a great degree this industry is handicapped, if computer is kept away from its operation. Most of the activities are carried out in online mode in the banking industry, so all its services need computer-based support.

2. Insurance Industry:

It’s a dynamic and highly competitive industry. In this industry it's imperative to keep track of customers, secure their data, store various information related to their policies, date of maturity, due data installment, etc & for all these activities, the computer holds the key.

3. Education Sector:

Modern-day education is all about innovative teaching methods. It's about transforming the students by giving them updated information. The education sector is undergoing a lot of changes therefore, students are encouraged to use computers and tablets PC's,  so that they can search and get inside out information about the concerned topics. Education is one such  field which is depended heavily on computers.

4. Marketing: 

Marketing involves advertisement, distribution of product and sales, all these departments or aspects of business relies upon computers. Let it be the case of  creation of art and graphics, promoting products by means of various digital platforms , carrying out surveys to seek the opinion of prospective customers in online mode or home shopping, the role of computers are paramount in marketing.

5. Healthcare Sector:

Considered as a key sector because it deals with health. Diagnostic system, Patient monitoring system, carrying out researches and storing the information during various phases of research, Pharma information system, Telemedicine, Medical Imaging and Sharing of Information, all needs computer-based support.

6. Defense Mechanism:

Defense Mechanism of any country utilizes computer as a tool to strengthen the system further . The role of manual expertise in defense cannot be ignored, but computer plays an important role and adds a new dimension to fortify defense framework combating internal and external threats. Intelligence Bureau, Military, Air Force, Navy and Paramilitary forces have to depend upon computers.  

7. Communication:

Lack of clarity in receiving instructions or for that matter misinterpretation of messages in any business structure can cause misunderstanding which can impact the business in a negative sense. Therefore, professional communication needs professional tools and computer is perhaps the greatest technical device that is being used to facilitate proper communication by means of Email, Skype, Video Conferencing etc. 

Physical distance is no longer considered as a major barrier since  computer-based services in communication has reduced this constraint to a large extent.

8. Government:

 All the offices related to public sectors uses computer to speed up the system & achieve  the desired outcome. Computerization of system is mandatory in Government sector starting from payroll system, managing records, analysis of information, sharing of information etc in every stage of operation , computer is extensively used. It has totally taken over traditional functioning of offices in Government sector. 

Paper use has taken a back seat and the digital process is given utmost importance in the Government sector. Paperless office is the latest trend and it is here to stay for a long period of time because of computers.

Conclusion

Now we know for a fact how & why we have to rely upon computers immensely in any business operation. Till the time we come up with a better alternative for computers, we will have to keep using it.