Question

what are the consequences of managers using technology?

Answer 1

Technology can improve the accuracy of planning in management by providing your managers with the data they need to make effective decisions. Technology solutions gather data from internal and external sources, store them in a data warehouse and provide managers with access via a network. Collaboration tools enable your managers to work together to plan operations and make joint decisions.

Data

The most important effect of technology on management planning is the availability of vast amounts of data on sales, stock, and production. You can use information technology to gather external data from sales teams, branch offices, retail outlets, suppliers and logistics partners. You can also include market data from independent analysts and market research companies, plus internal data on customer orders, inquiries and production adds.

Integration

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software improves planning by integrating individual computer systems around your organization. Tracking and planning the fulfillment of customer orders is easier because an ERP system replaces a series of standalone computer systems in different departments, such as sales administration, finance, warehousing and dispatch. Managers can now view the progress of an order through the various company systems and identify any bottlenecks or other problems as a basis for planning improvements.

Access

Communication networks enable managers throughout your organization to access and share the same data. Technology’s contribution is to remove what was known as silos of information, previously only available to people within individual departments. Managers can also use such collaboration tools as videoconferencing and Internet forums to share data and carry out joint planning exercises.

People

Social networking tools can help your managers to plan their human resources. Consultancy firm Deloitte has developed a system that enables employees to post their profiles and work history. Managers and other employees can access the profiles over an intranet to identify people with the skills needed to provide expert advice or join a project team.