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Business information technology is a set of tools and high-tech equipment used to collect and process large amounts of raw, business-related data. It also facilitates electronic communication, real time monitoring, and complex problem solving. It’s up to the human beings that own that information, however, to understand its value and to mine and use it wisely.
Understanding the Importance and Advantages of Business Information Technology
Information technology (IT) is a primary driver of innovation, and businesses without a strong IT foundation will lag behind. Even small businesses benefit from an IT professional who can set-up/recommend a multi-functional data collection system.
Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) enable an organization to analyze the talents of their workforce. The system is dynamic and can produce a real time snapshot of personnel based on any criteria they’ve identified in the creation of the system.
Other IT systems in various business sectors, like manufacturing, marketing, and communication enable companies to understand their customers better, increase or streamline production lines, and enhance connectedness to both employees and customers, according to Business 2 Community.
Present the Information Using Visualization and Dialogue
Raw data is usually only interesting to statisticians and mathematicians, but that doesn’t mean it’s not valuable to all levels of management and decision-making executives. The problem is that the statistical representation of large chunks of information is generally a blur for most audiences. Visual representation is better, but can still be understood differently.
Words, however, really do matter. Interesting dialogue creates a flow that an audience can easily follow. Often, business information technology professionals have to present their stats to sales or manufacturing managers who are itching to get back to work. They have to convince them that the data will help them do their jobs more effectively and efficiently. When they paint a picture, tell a story, and put the data within the context of the real world of business, the vast amount of data available will have been distilled to actionable information. Data Storytelling provides advice on how to make big data interesting, according to Information Week.
The IT Executive’s Role Continues to Evolve
IT executives continue to increase their presence in the corporate world, not the least in the area of IT security, where a breach of a company’s computer system could cause inestimable damage.
On the plus side, by using appropriate analytics, information technology can produce the raw data that, when properly compiled and presented, enables a better understanding of customers, stakeholders, and strategic planning. IT executives continue to be a part of decision making and business strategy based on the integrity of the system. Any IT executive worth their salt stays on the cutting edge of new technology. They are unique executives in that they have one foot in the board room and the other in the data center.
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Large or small, businesses are more and more dependent on business information technology to get a clear idea of what works, what doesn’t, and what the trends in their business are. Information is everywhere, but business information technology can put a face on the data that enables businesses to devise strategy, improve performance, and increase efficiency.