Information and Communication
Technology has improved reach an
range of electronic communication (EC)
Reach: Level of communication
across a network
Range: Types of data transfer available
The simplest form of EC and has a comparatively low level of reach and range when it is used for
messaging or transferring documents. However, it has proved invaluable to designers, manufacturers,
retailers and consumers, due to ease of use and widespread access through internet connections.
There are issues of security and privacy when using e-mail and
limitations on the size of attachments, restricting its use.
Advanatges
Quick
Easy
Widespread usage
E-mails can be saved as a data record
Documents can be easily attached
Disadvantages
Impersonal
Messages misinterpreted
Spam
Privacy and security
Influx of messages = increased time reading & responding
Limitations of attachment sizes
Electronic Data
Interchange (EDI)
EDI isa new way for companies to do 'paperless' business
using a process that transfers business documents through
a computer network, rather than via postal systems.
Fast
Inexpensive
Secure system for sending purchase orders,
invoices, design and manufacturing data.
The transfer of files requires that the sender and receiver agree on a standard
document format for the document to be sent by, e.g. PDF, Word or CAD
Advantages
Saves
money
Saves
time
Improves customer
service => documents
transferred quickly w/
fewer errors
Expands customer
base due to
improved customer
service through
efficient EDI
process
Disadvantages
Incompatibility w/ some
companies due to range of
standard document format
Standards updated regularly,
which causes problems with
different versions in use
Expensive initial set-up
Limits trading
to companies
who have EDI
Integrated Services Digital Networks and Broadband
Huge amounts of information can be transferred across
computer networks at far greater speeds than ever before