Use of Information and Communication Technology in Business

Question: Discuss about the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Business Operations. Answer: Introduction Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is becoming one of the major key factors of the recent developments. The ICT has infiltrated every segment of business. In the modern systems of business operations, the courier services have become the key factor of enterprises. These kind of services are distinguishable from ordinary mail services in terms of the services such as security, speed and committed delivery times (Schliwa et al., 2015). Discussion An Overview of Courier Services Courier services can provide faster delivery times. There is no such alternative that could be relied upon in terms of faster delivery. They involve the transportation of important documents and a chain of other services that have some basic characteristics such as door to door, reliability and secure delivery. The markets of courier could be described through express parcels, logistics and freight. Information and Communications Technology The function of ICT is to design, implement and maintain controls over the business processes. Information Technology has a vital role in the collection, processing and the storage of data. The data would then be stored, summarized and reported in the statements of the courier delivery services (Grosso et al., 2014). The Growing Impact of ICT on the Courier Services With the advent of digitalization and ICT, the role of the courier or the postal sector has changed massively. Innovation and technology are majorly used in order to cover the products and devices along with their applications and uses. The most noticeable innovations in technology that would affect the postal sector are big data, robotics, drones, the Internet of Things and many others. The competition in the technical sector and the increasing demand from customers have forced the postal and parcel operators to use much advanced technology for several purposes. They should also ensure improvement in the operational efficiency in order to provide newer services (Kowalkowski, Kindstrom Gebauer, 2013). Automated sorting and centralism of parcel and letter operations are the major developments in this sector. In the business of parcels, the delivery services have been improved with improved technologies such as PDAs for the purpose of signature scanning that have also added security for the consumers. Use of E-Commerce for Courier Services The use of ICT has transformed the society in many ways. Home delivery is the most preferable option for delivery companies and the consumers who are using the courier services. The demand for postal services have shown a major rise in the recent times. The volumes of parcels and letters are increasing as consumers are adopting much more online delivery services (Gangeshwer, 2013). Conclusion Based on the discussion, it can be concluded that the impact of ICT on the consumers of courier services have been massive. Technology has empowered consumers and have transformed them to active participants in the market of courier services. ICT acts as a better driving force for the better services for the customers. In the near future, technology will become more important for the postal services and thus would provide positive benefits for the consumers. References Gangeshwer, D. K. (2013). E-commerce or Internet Marketing: A business Review from Indian context.International Journal of u-and e-Service, Science and Technology,6(6), 187-194. Grosso, M. G., Nords, H. K., Ueno, A., Gonzales, F., Lejrraga, I., Miroudot, S., Rouzet, D. (2014). Services Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI): Transport and Courier Services. Kowalkowski, C., Kindstrm, D., Gebauer, H. (2013). ICT as a catalyst for service business orientation.Journal of Business Industrial Marketing,28(6), 506-513. Schliwa, G., Armitage, R., Aziz, S., Evans, J., Rhoades, J. (2015). Sustainable city logisticsMaking cargo cycles viable for urban freight transport.Research in Transportation Business Management,15, 50-57.