Advantages of Computers in Business

I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.
--Bill Gates

Information Technology (IT) has played a very significant role in taking businesses to their current heights. Before the advent of computers and related technologies, business was mainly carried out using manual resources.

As a result, the time taken to complete a task was more, quality of work wasn't up to the mark, and the procedures also tended to be more complicated. Today, with the introduction of computers in business establishments, the processing of work has become more efficient, accurate, and stable.

Corporate computing is a concept that concentrates on the involvement of information technology in businesses. Computers and related technologies today are a mainstay in the corporate world.

They are used in all sectors for various purposes, including accounts and payroll management, inventory management and control, shipping functions, data and database management, financial analysis, software development, security control, and many other essential fields. The end result of using corporate computing is increased productivity and quality.

Inventory control and management is a crucial process, especially in establishments related to retail and production. Computers are used for recording all aspects of the goods coming in, details of goods and services, distribution of stock, and details of the storage.

Note that, in small retail and production firms, simple computer software are generally used, whereas in large corporations, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software are employed.

Accounting and payroll management is an important part of the overall functioning of a company. Be it any kind of industry; computers are used everywhere today for performing tasks including managing accounts of administration, sales, purchases, invoices, and also for payroll management, which includes recording the financial details of the employees.

Database management comprises filing, recording, managing, storage, and retrieval of data. For smooth running of any business, it is very important that they have all the procedures and other business-related details stored.

Such important data is stored in large databases and servers which have to be maintained on a regular basis. These information databases and servers are controlled by computers operated by the authorized personnel in a company.

Software are programs written for catering to the various computing needs. They are a set of instructions to the computers, written in a language which they can interpret. They are required to enable the computers to perform specific tasks.

Today, with the ever-increasing reliance of various organizations on computers for carrying out their business processes, many different types of software are being developed. These software developments take place either in-house or in other dedicated organizations with the help of computers.

Also, many companies exist today that are in the sole business of software development for the consumers market. All these companies rely completely on the use of computers for developing these software products.

There are many other fields such as security control, communication, research, budgeting and forecasting, web management, etc., where computers play a vital role.

The impact of information technology on various businesses, has changed the way they operate for the better, and have made the coordination of different practices within each firm possible, allowing them to function collectively and more efficiently.