Information Technology & Its Role in the Modern Organization

Information technology (IT) has become a vital and integral part of every business plan. From multi-national corporations who maintain mainframe systems and databases to small businesses that own a single computer, IT plays a role. The reasons for the omnipresent use of computer technology in business can best be determined by looking at how it is being used across the business world.

Communication

For many companies, email is the principal means of communication between employees, suppliers and customers. Email was one of the early drivers of the Internet, providing a simple and inexpensive means to communicate. Over the years, a number of other communications tools have also evolved, allowing staff to communicate using live chat systems, online meeting tools and video-conferencing systems. Voice over internet protocol (VOIP) telephones and smart-phones offer even more high-tech ways for employees to communicate.

Inventory Management

When it comes to managing inventory, organizations need to maintain enough stock to meet demand without investing in more than they require. Inventory management systems track the quantity of each item a company maintains, triggering an order of additional stock when the quantities fall below a pre-determined amount. These systems are best used when the inventory management system is connected to the point-of-sale (POS) system. The POS system ensures that each time an item is sold, one of that item is removed from the inventory count, creating a closed information loop between all departments.

Data Management

The days of large file rooms, rows of filing cabinets and the mailing of documents is fading fast. Today, most companies store digital versions of documents on servers and storage devices. These documents become instantly available to everyone in the company, regardless of their geographical location. Companies are able to store and maintain a tremendous amount of historical data economically, and employees benefit from immediate access to the documents they need.

Management Information Systems

Storing data is only a benefit if that data can be used effectively. Progressive companies use that data as part of their strategic planning process as well as the tactical execution of that strategy. Management Information Systems (MIS) enable companies to track sales data, expenses and productivity levels. The information can be used to track profitability over time, maximize return on investment and identify areas of improvement. Managers can track sales on a daily basis, allowing them to immediately react to lower-than-expected numbers by boosting employee productivity or reducing the cost of an item.

Customer Relationship Management

Companies are using IT to improve the way they design and manage customer relationships. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems capture every interaction a company has with a customer, so that a more enriching experience is possible. If a customer calls a call center with an issue, the customer support representative will be able to see what the customer has purchased, view shipping information, call up the training manual for that item and effectively respond to the issue. The entire interaction is stored in the CRM system, ready to be recalled if the customer calls again. The customer has a better, more focused experience and the company benefits from improved productivity.

high school teacher gets 2 to 30 years for sex with students

Utah teacher Brianne Altice burst into tears once again during her sentencing Thursday, when she was given two to 30 years in prison for having sex with three of her students between the ages of 16 and 17.

"I can tell you, unequivocally, that these boys are victims," a mother of one of the three told the court Thursday, The Salt Lake Tribune reports. "They will be affected by this unlawful relationship throughout their lives."

Altice, 36, has sobbed throughout her court appearances, including when she pleaded guilty to three counts of forcible sex abuse in April – in exchange for having 11 other sex charges dropped, including three first-degree felony rape charges that carried potential life sentences.

The former English teacher, who has children of her own, defended herself, telling the judge who handed down the sentence that people have been judging her unfairly for her actions, which included having sex with one of the boys after she'd already been arrested on rape charges.

"If I could, I would personally apologize to each individual that has been affected by this," she said Thursday. "Grief fills my heart for all involved."

Altice's lawyer described her as a woman who was trapped in a bad marriage, saying she is "troubled" and "has problems with viewing her own worth."

"She blurred the lines between being a teacher and a friend," defense attorney Edward Brass said.

He added that Altice was pursued by the boys, who she claims flirted with her daily.

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