In this post, let us consider which is better information technology or information systems. Scroll down to learn more about the topic.
Which Is Better Information Technology or Information Systems?
Information technology is a relatively new concept, but it is more widely known than information systems. People generally understand what information technology does, but the concepts of information systems are not as transparent to them.
In addition, information technology and information systems are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but the two concepts are different.
Information Technology
Information technology refers to the use of computers and other related devices while information systems refer to the process of gathering, storing, manipulating, and distributing data. Also, information technology is an integral part of an organization’s business processes.
The successful operation of an organization requires effective use of IT. The IT department works with users to find out how they can make better use of IT in their daily operations. It also suggests ways to get the best out of IT, while keeping costs low.
Information Systems
Information systems can be described as a business’s blueprint. It is a structured process that enables organizations to collect and store information in such a way that it is easily available and accessible to users. Information systems provide organizations with the flexibility and power to integrate various processes that are vital for the efficiency of the organization. If a business has effective information systems, it can perform critical functions like inventory management, customer services, accounting, and payroll.
What Are the Benefits of Information Technology and Information Systems?
The benefits of information technology and information systems are widespread. Organizations that have implemented IT and IS in their daily operations report benefits like efficiency, improved productivity, reduced errors, and cost reduction. A business that does not use IT and IS is lagging behind its competitors.
Information Technology
Here are some of the benefits of IT:
1. Improved Efficiency
The use of IT in an organization helps increase efficiency and reduce time wastage. When a business uses IT well, it can cut costs while keeping its productivity high. For example, when an organization uses an IT-based inventory management system that tracks its inventory in real-time, it saves on costs because of the reduction in labor costs and the elimination of inventory-related errors.
2. Improved Communication
Information technology helps in better communication. The internet and other IT-based communication tools like email, video conferencing and instant messaging make it possible for employees to communicate with each other from anywhere in the world.
3. Improved Employee Productivity
IT helps in improving the productivity of employees by making them more effective and efficient at their jobs. IT is a great enabler of business process automation.
Information Systems
Here are some of the benefits of IS:
1. It Helps Organize the Business
Information systems help in organizing data and making it available to users in an easy-to-access manner. Information systems help businesses gather data from all sources, store them in a central location (usually a database), and retrieve the data when needed. It also helps to manipulate data to facilitate effective decision-making.
2. It Helps Improve Quality of Services
IS helps in improving customer service quality by providing customers with information about the services offered by an organization and the progress of their orders. IS also helps in keeping track of customer feedback about products and services.
3. It Helps Reduce Costs by Increasing Efficiency
Information Systems help to reduce costs by increasing efficiency. For example, when information systems help in streamlining business processes, it reduces the need for manual entry of data. In addition, when information systems automate a business process, it reduces the time needed to perform the process. Both of these have a direct bearing on costs.
