The computer stores all the information about how many hours each employee has worked, the orders, the cash flow of the business as well as all the company details. Mavis uses a Packard Bell 293 GHZ (clock speed) with 256mb RAM (random access memory), it is internet ready, but due to the difficult location it is not internet connected.
The company operates with Sage Business accounts, a software package which enables them to do all their invoicing, costing and keep sales and suppliers records
The computer helps minimize the stressful “paper work” of the business, this would take much longer to complete and would become a stressful task if not for the computer!
The disadvantages are that you have to type all the information you need and if you don’t save your work and the system crashes you don’t have back up! The software package is basic and not always able to do what is required. Mavis is the only operative and if not available information is not accessible.
The advantages are that you cannot really loose files if you have back up copies. Discs are much easier to store than hardcopies, with the option of taking a second back up and storing it at a second site gives major security.
It is easy to look things up on the computer and everything is available at the touch of a button! The presentation of work is much better than handwritten work that can be scruffy. Invoices/statements and reports are all easily accessible.
As well as just using her pc for work she uses it personally. Using email she manages to keep in touch with old school friends whom have moved away from the local area. Mavis also uses her home P.C to access the Internet for information on holiday destinations or days out.
Satellite navigation
Within this company satellite navigation aids are now proving to be a useful device in locating new delivery/collection sites. By inputting a postcode the satellite navigation can lead the driver to his destination quickly and easily, without having to find a safe place to stop and look at a map or ask directions.
The code is collected on the map software already installed, by Ram, which is all operated by the processor.
Other companies are also finding this a helpful business tool, as most companies are broadening their markets, and having less local depots this device saves time and money.
A disadvantage can be if the incorrect postcode is input the final destination will not be arrived at. As with all IT devices the machine is only as good as the information it is given!
Mrs. Ingham recently used this device to guide her to a new destination, and once had become accustom to a machine talking to her found it to be extremely useful.
The technologies stated help the company become more reliable. They speed up the work of Mrs. Ingham by allowing her to communicate with customers quickly and store information safely. Technology has become a must in the workplace to meet the growing demand for efficiency and reliability. Mavis uses the technologies for work but also for personally uses. However she does not uses these technologies socially.
The internet
The computer which Mavis works from is internet ready but due to the location they are not connected, with the outlay being to much for the usage, however this is monitored and will be installed as and when needed. However Mavis does use the Internet at home for the business, she uses outlook express to send and receive emails, which she can then print off, and take to work. Using the Internet access available at home she has detailed company phone bill summary sent to her email address. She also uses various websites like bocm.gov upload/download cattle tracing.
