Computers have become a core business process that drives businesses in today’s world. Almost

everything in this generation involves the transmission and conversion of data from one source

or form to another through computer usage. The business dictionary defines a computer as a

machine that is able to capture, process and either store or give out processed information. In

most organizations business information systems are methodical procedures or processes that are

used as a delivery mechanism for providing specific goods or services to customers. Managers

rely on the information in computers for them to make timely decisions which would determine

their competitive platform and future. In 1998, Lew Platt the CEO of Hewlett Packard stated that

“If only HP knew what HP knows, it could be three times more productive” a statement which

most employees and managers of HP misunderstood. In essence, Platt meant that HP had a lot

and enough information within their computers which they could use for them to be competitive

if only they discovered a strategy on how to use their information in a progressive and productive

manner.

Computers have encroached every sphere and horizon of our lives. Whether or not you

personally know anything about it, you invoke computers when you make a bank withdraw,

when you buy groceries at the supermarket, and even when you drive a car. Although only a

little less than half of Zambians have personal computers at home, a much higher percentage use

computers on the job.

Previously before computers, life among us was very cumbersome and difficult. It required

people to travel long distances or wait for a long time just to have their message delivered

through a letter. Information search took long as people flipped one file after another looking for

urgently needed information. Only the rich and elite could afford driving a new car from

oversees after spending huge sums of money through air tickets and freight as e-commerce sites

like Beforward Japan were not there. This required those interested in owning a car to physically

travel to Japan or Germany to buy. The automated banking processes we enjoy today where we

can withdraw and deposit money anytime we want, was impossible without computers as it

required the bank to search for a client’s file and access a ledger were all the withdraws and

deposits were recorded. Store rooms were filled up with piles and heaps of files requiring an

organization to employ a lot of secretaries and clerks who would keep track of these files. Shops

had a tedious way of operation especially in stock taking where the recording process involved

writing every movement of a commodity from the receiving bay up to the dispatch point or sales

counter.

All these challenges were swallowed when computers got on the scene. Indeed computers have

aggressively changed the way people work nowadays. Computers provide the essential speed to

our fast-paced society. The quick service that we have come to expect for bank withdraws, stock

quotes, telephone calls, and travel reservations, to name just a few is made by computers.

Businesses depend on the speed processing that computers provide for everything from

balancing ledgers to designing products.

In addition to the fastness that computers have brought up in data processing, they also provide

extreme reliability greater than what human beings can offer. Of course one may argue and say

that computers have errors such as viruses and unlikely failures, however, the reality of the

matter is that most errors supposedly made by computers are human errors.

Computers provide advanced storage systems in form of databases that store colossal amounts of

data. These centralized storage systems have enhanced information search in organisations and

also reduced the monthly wage bill in salaries for many secretaries and clerks that used to be

employed for the sole purpose of filing and searching for files when needed. The databases are

able to store information in large quantities and display only the views that are queried or

requested by the data users.

Communication has been improved by computers such that information dissemination happens

within the twinkling of an eye. Unlike the old days where chiefs would send their subordinates to

take a letter to another kingdom and wait for days if not months, computer usage has abolished

this sluggish way of communication by providing a timely kind of communication through

emails, teleconferencing and video conferencing. Email or Electronic Mail is a kind of

communication where specialized mail applications such as Microsoft Outlook or web based

mail like yahoo are used to exchange messages. The Email takes a short period of time such two

or three minutes to reach the designated recipient. Teleconferencing is where a specialized

device or software is used to link up a number of telephone lines so that participants are able to

discuss as though they were in one place despite being in different countries or continents. Video

conferencing is similar to teleconferencing with an additional of video where the distant people

in a discussion or meeting are able to see each other. All these types of communication were

impossible before the inversion of computers (Capron, 2003).

The introduction of computers increased productivity. Computers in businesses have improved

productivity as workers learn how to use them and do their jobs better and faster. Jobs such as

high precision punching of holes in metal in car manufacturing or monitoring of water levels at

ZESCO power production plant at the Victoria Falls can only be efficiently achieved by the

usage of computers.

Crime control and law enforcement has been improved and many criminal activities curbed due

to the introduction of computers. Recent innovations in computerized law enforcement in some

countries like the United States include national fingerprint files, a national file on the mode of

operation of serial killers and the computer modeling of DNA, which can match traces from an

alleged criminal’s body, such as blood at a crime scene (Elliot & Starkings, 2004).

The transport sector has really improved due to computers. Cars use computers normally called

computer boxes which monitor fluid levels, temperatures, and electrical systems which enhances

car performance and reduces accidents on roads. Computers are also used to help run rapid

transit systems, load container ships, and track rail road cars across the country. The workers in

an airport tower rely on computers to help monitor air traffic.

The Computer revolution and change cannot be discussed without giving a reference to

education. Previously before computers, it was impossible to combine work and school as it

required all students to be grouped together on campus. Nowadays someone can receive a degree

from the convenience of their homes without having to travel to any university campus. The

popularly known university in online and distant education in Africa is the University of South

Africa. Students across the globe are learning and studying with the University of South Africa

by uploading assignments and downloading study modules from their portals.

People have socially been regrouped through social networks. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc.

are social network sites that have thousands of people sharing a lot of ideas and information.

Individuals are able to find their longtime friends and immediately renew their friendships their

and then. Institutions are able to market their products to masses through social networks sites

and improve sales. All these factors could not be achieved without computers. Some researchers

have said that the world is no longer round but flat due to how connected people have become

today as a result of computers.

To sum it up, enhanced productivity, decision making and cost reduction are the benefits every

enterprise is enjoying today as a result of computers. Every part of our lives has been affected

and improved in one way or another due to computers. A number of sectors such as agriculture,

aviation, education, retailing, energy, government etc. have changed and improved operations as

a result of computers.

References

Capron H. L., 2003. Computers (Tools for an Information Age). Newyork: Prentice Hall.

Corner D. E., 2007. Internet Book, The: Everything You Need to Know About Networking and How the Internet Works,. London: Prentice Hall.

Elliot, G. & Starkings, S., 2004. Business Information technology. New Delhi: Pearson.

Nickerson R. C., 2003. Business and Information Systems. 2nd ed. Chicago: Addison Wisley.

Rolland F. D., 1998. The Essence of Databases. 2rd ed. Washington: Prentice Hall.

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/business-system.html#ixzz438pHRtQ8. Date of

access: 15 March. 2016.