Term Paper on "In What Ways Will Computer Technology Impact the Practice of Operations Management"

Term Paper 9 pages (2574 words) Sources: 1+

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Computer Technology and Operations Management

Modern technology has greatly changed operations management in the modern business world. Efficiency and effectiveness of operations, production, and functions has improved exponentially due to ever evolving computer technology. Across all industries within the business world, observable improvements are evident, and examples of enhancements to operations due to computer technology will be examined through this discussion.

The technology itself that is used in businesses to manage operations can be complex, and therefore systems have been developed and implemented that aid businesses in the management of their computer technology. An example of this is "sBusiness," which includes services that aid businesses in gaining the most they can out of computerized technologies used for operations management (Bolka, 2002). The need for this type of service is motivated by business needs in four different areas. These areas include: 1) the need for retailers to use their investments in technology in the most efficient manner possible; 2) the need for businesses to balance the increasing developments and dynamics in the computer technology world with the developments within specific industries; 3) the ability to effectively manage environments complexly intertwined with computer technology; and 4) the reality that the majority of modern business operations heavily rely on computer technology to some extent (Bolka, 2002).

Services offered that assist business in the maintenance and execution of their computer technology systems include hardware installation, network design, provision and integration, and training and consulting (Bolka, 2002). All of these services are offered with the aim of ensuring that the computer technologies implemented by the business are utilized correctly and functioning effectively (Bolka, 2002). Furthermore, businesses can tailor the level of service they receive to their needs. Some businesses opt for complete facilities management, in which the administration of their system, network, and entire technological environment are managed externally, outside the business (Bolka, 2002).

There is no question that the role of computer technology has become integral to the management of operations within businesses. Computer modeling has been used in some industries as a tool in the development and execution of major projects (Vantuono, 2004). An example is provided by the freight railroad industry. Within this industry, computer modeling has assisted in the preparation for growth, in that computer modeling is utilized for the determination of schedule adequacy, choices of routes, design and capacity for the allowance of maintenance, and yield management (Vantuono, 2004). Furthermore, the use of computer modeling allows for impartial mediation with regards to cost/benefit analyses among the railroads (Vantuono, 2004).

Industries often require specific functions of computer technology in order to achieve certain results. For example, software vendors may be urged by businesses to incorporate specific features into computer modeling capabilities in order to acquire the particular tools needed (Vantuono, 2004). Businesses continually face challenges in planning and developing projects, and specific computer technologies can help elucidate what ideas and concepts would be most effective. Moreover, computer simulation and modeling can facilitate efficient cost optimization and resolution of conflicts (Vantuono, 2004).

The capabilities of computer technology within the business world have grown exponentially over the past several years, meanwhile decreasing in cost and space requirements. There has been a remarkable evolution in computer technology that has continually aimed at providing solutions for businesses while becoming more user-friendly. For instance, software programs have evolved so that features are becoming more standardized parallel to the gravitation of mainstream computing towards the Microsoft Windows operating system (Klemens & Reband, 2004). The applications used today in computer technology for businesses often appear and are executed in a similar manner, and the performance of similar functions is often the same across programs. This results in user-friendliness, which optimizes the efficiency of the technology being used. There have been several milestones achieved already with regards to the evolution of computer technology. These landmarks include: hardware miniaturization; increased processor speed; increased memory and storage capacity; efforts towards standardized operating systems; the growth of network and communications capabilities; and increased sophistication of software (Klemens & Reband, 2004). It is most likely that this constant evolution will now grow more in the direction of wireless data communication (Klemens & Reband, 2004).

An example of how an efficient and effective computerized system has facilitated operations is illustrated by the masonry industry. Computerized time-tracking systems have proven very useful to this industry (Klemens & Reband, 2004). Masonry contractors have increasingly been utilizing an time-tracking system called Jobclock, which allows workers to record job time through touching a key tab reader for checking in and checking out of shifts. Foremen are able to collect but not alter the information recorded by this system, and simple operations are utilized in the office to load information from the job clock into a computer database. The computer program used to store the information has the capability to produce several preconfigured and customizable reports, and furthermore enables exportation of the data to accounting software programs (Klemens & Reband, 2004).

Other integrated computerized approaches are also used in the masonry industry to facilitate operations management. HCSS (Heavy Construction Systems Specialists Inc.) software is used to prepare detailed cost estimates for projects that are easily converted into bids. Another program offered by HCSS is a type of field management software, that is used for the collection, dissemination, and dispatching of jobsite information on a daily basis. Programs offering free Internet-based historical bid pricing and tracking of materials is also available (Klemens & Reband, 2004). These easy to use computerized technologies have demonstrably increased the efficiency with which operations are managed within this industry.

Efforts are certainly being made continually by computer technology developers to create technologies that are easier to use in order to increase effectiveness and efficiency for businesses (Higgins, 2004). For instance, maintenance engineers are in charge of ensuring that equipment within production facilities is functioning correctly, often at a cost to the business. Therefore, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) have been created (Higgins, 2004). These systems function to more effectively organize maintenance programs and produce financial data that revealed maintenance costs and returns. CMMS may also be considered as a tool for asset management as well as lifecycle management (Higgins, 2004).

The implementation of CMMS within a food manufacturing facility in Seattle resulted in a dramatic shift in regards to the way management perceived maintenance. Prior to the implementation of CMMS, maintenance was perceived as a cost center. After the initiation of CMMS, maintenance is now seen as a profit center, due to the increase in efficiency offered by maintenance engineers through proper operations of the equipment (Higgins, 2004).

In order to minimize the confusion and level of difficulty involved in the interpretation of data that result from computerized programs, some computer technology companies have developed means for remote monitoring. An example of this is remote monitoring offered by Rockwell Automation for its XM Series modules that are used for condition monitoring (Higgins, 2004). This program is used to collect monitoring data from devices, which effectively act to automate data collection through the creation of an I/O bus (Higgins, 2004). This program allows plant equipment to be protected and monitored in a way that is feasible and effective. Before, this plant equipment received little to no predictive maintenance due to cost restraints (Higgins, 2004). Devices used for this type of monitoring are continually becoming increasingly affordable, which furthermore increases usage of the systems, which in turn improve efficiency and effectiveness of the business.

Another area of business that has increasingly been using computer technologies is for training, as well as the management of training and tracking regulatory compliance (Martin, Quigley, and Rogers, 2005). The first computerized forms of operations training were developed by the U.S. armed forces at the end of the 1970s (Saifedtinov, 2004), and since then have evolved through several different incarnations. For example, Aventis Pharmaceuticals initiated global implementation of a learning management system in order to facilitate regulatory compliance through the advantage of having one system that can track, manage and train personnel globally (Martin et al., 2005). This is accomplished through the use of a common platform across all target organizations (Martin et al., 2005).

Computerized systems for learning management have become an integral part of learning environments for businesses across all industries. These learning management systems can provide a wide range of capabilities and features, including the facilitation of access to and delivery of training content to users. This promotes the ability to leverage various training media throughout several departments within a business, and furthermore acts to enhance the overall knowledge level of an organization (Martin et al., 2005). A learning management system provides a business with certain specific capabilities. These capabilities include: registration for instructor led training; assignment of instructional responsibilities; the setting up of courses and planning; of curriculum; the delivery of tests and assessments; the accurate tracking and reporting of the progress and performance of students; and the production of certification and regulatory compliance reports (Martin et al., 2005).

Learning management systems are especially useful for organizations that… READ MORE

How to Reference "In What Ways Will Computer Technology Impact the Practice of Operations Management" Term Paper in a Bibliography

Related Term Papers:

International Operations Management Strategy of Boeing Company Term Paper

International Operations Management Strategy of Boeing Company

As the largest manufacturer of aircraft in the world, Boeing provides some valuable examples of best industry practices with respect to their supply… read more

Term Paper 8 pages (2393 words) Sources: 15 Topic: Management / Organizations

---

Management Chapter 1-The Influence of the Project Research Paper

Management

Chapter 1-the influence of the project procurement process on the design management strategy

The client may choose one of many available methods of procurement. This may result in different… read more

Research Paper 9 pages (4029 words) Sources: 9 Topic: Management / Organizations

---

Operations Management Strategy of Lenovo Essay

Operations Management Strategy of Lenovo

Many observers have suggested that the 21st century will be the "Century of Asia," with China leading the way. The recent economic performance of China… read more

Essay 8 pages (3045 words) Sources: 15 Topic: Business / Corporations / E-commerce

---

Inventory Management a in an Importer Industry Case Study

Inventory Management

The raw materials, goods in process, and finished products represent different forms of inventory. Every stage of production of commodity represents money tied up until the inventory finds… read more

Case Study 40 pages (12443 words) Sources: 40 Topic: Management / Organizations

---

Problems Facing Management Term Paper

Management Problems

Dealing With Current Human Relations Problems

Leadership failures occur most frequently because of ineptness, the inability to catch up with development requirements or simply because of a wrong… read more

Term Paper 10 pages (2860 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Management / Organizations

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>