There are various benefits businesses may experience through the use of wireless technology. Wireless technology enables firms to gain a universal access to information and applications. The use of such technology enables people and mobile devices to gain access to information globally 24/7 from either their beds or their office desks. Wireless technology also proves to be a beneficial process for firms as it enables the automation of business processes. This means that wireless devices are able to centralise business processes and abolish processes that prove to be unnecessary e.g. products may be ordered using a wireless device such as an iPhone rather than a wired computer. Lastly, wireless technologies also prove to be beneficial for businesses as such technology enables convenience to be achieved. This can be displayed as employees are able to access the internet to check their emails or to engage on online teleconferencing online from the airport or from their homes. The overall benefits of using wireless technology are:
- ability to have mobile machines
- less hardware/IT infrastructure required
- increased productivity as processes/systems are available 24/7
- greater convenience
- universal accessibility
Graphical representation of wireless technologies (http://www.tentechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/wireless.jpg)
2. Describe the business benefits associated with VoIP
VOIP proves to be very beneficial for firms as it uses TCP/IP technology to transmit phone calls using internet technology enabling calls to be transferred at a faster rate. VOIP does not require traditional cooper wire running through the users house and prevents consumers from being reliant on Telstra or other telecommunication providers for voice traffic. Also, the use of VOIP as it disintermediates the use of a phone line, proves to be much cheaper than traditional methods of calling people. Therefore, VOIP proves to be beneficial for most firms as it involves cheaper telephones and lower operating costs. VOIP services are also easier to relocate for if a firm moved its business and convergence provides lower cost WAN connectivity. (http://www.alltel.com.au/voipbenefits.html)
Graphical representation of VOIP (http://www.dyna3c.com/new/voip/pic/voip_HowItWorks_0203v2.jpg)
3. Compare LANs and WANs
Local area network (LAN): designed to connect a group of computers in proximity of each other
- enables sharing of resources e.g. files, printers through authentication and authorisation
- connects to other LANs and to the internet
Wide area network (WAN): spans a large geographic area e.g. state or country & connect multiple smaller networks e.g. local area networks
- data communication links between companies and suppliers or customers successfully enable strategic advantage e.g. in Notre Dame network systems in Perth are connected with systems in Sydney
Therefore, LANs connect computers in close proximity to each other, whereas, WANs are able to connect computers dispersed over a large geographical region.
4. Describe RFID and how it can be used to help make a supply chain more effective.
Radio Frequency Identification uses active or passive tags in the form of chips or smart labels that can store unique identifiers and relay this information to electronic readers. Such RFID tags are often smaller than a grain of sand and combine tiny chips with an antenna. RFID can be used to help make a supply chain more effective as because RFID’s are regularly used in the tracking of inventory, they will be able to replace barcodes and enable the transmission of stronger and more accurate data.
Unusual uses of RFID
- preventing toilets from overflowing
- identifying human remains
- getting into nightclubs
- cooking with robots
- timing athletic events
Common uses of RFID
- passports contain chips that instantly send data regarding the time/place of a passenger
- transportation: eTags are used to pay tolls
SUMMARY:
A RFID is a small device that can send information back to a large database. RFIDs are beneficial for the supply chain as movement of goods and services from manufacturers to customers can be tracked using an RFID scanner. This promotes efficiency and productivity and allows stock that is on 'par level' to be counted systematically.
YOUTUBE: Video representation of RFID Technology (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zj7txoDxbE)
5. Identify the advantages and disadvantage of deploying mobile technology
There are various benefits and negativities associated with deploying or implementing mobile technologies in firms. Such advantages and disadvantages are detailed in the table below:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
· financial services – use of wireless banking, payments etc create efficiencies · wireless electronics payment systems – can pay bills online using wireless technologies · mobile wallets – technologies enable cardholders to make purchases online · enables staff to access wireless devices wherever they are to engage in business e.g. responding to emails or engaging in a teleconference from an airport · allows users to access information if they are not near a wired computing device * creates a mobile workforce * allows real-time processing | · security risks of conducting banking online are critical · may negatively impact on staff as they may be inclined to work when wouldn’t traditionally if such technology didn’t exist * mobile technology is very insecure if it has not been set up correctly * radio signals may be detrimental to users health * privacy issues exist e.g. mobile phones with cameras and blue-tooth hacking |
Example of a mobile device - a PDA (http://www.insidemind.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ipaq-pda-pocket-pc.jpg)
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