Does IT Matter?

Information technology can make many business functions more manageable, efficient, and effective, however, the IT function within a business is not absolutely necessary. But when asking whether or not IT matters, from the business perspective, the answer depends upon two things; first, on how heavily you already depend or utilize information technology, and second, the scope of your businesses' objectives.

Those familiar with information technology are quite aware of the extreme advantages that it can bring to a business. Information technology can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of almost all functions within the business. Such business functions as order processing, shipping, and inventory maintenance can practically become fully automated. The use of IT through software can also drastically reduce the amount of time that it takes for employees to accomplish certain organizational tasks. Negatives that accompany the use of IT start at the high costs to develop, implement, and maintain an effective IT system. Another cost that is associated with the use of IT is the opportunity cost of the forgone money that could have been spent on other important organizational functions. Lastly, the dependence of your business operation upon an IT system makes your business reliant upon technology and placing it at a very high risk in case of technological failure.

If your business is already currently reliant and operating utilizing information technology then the answer to the question: Does IT matter? Is yes. With so much already invested in IT and the structure of your business already built around the use of IT, it would be impossible to operate without it. Once executed within a business the business adapts to the advantages that IT provides and as a result some tasks that would necessary without the implementation of IT become irrelevant. However, some businesses operate without the use of IT and are just fine. An example of businesses that operate without the use of IT are some restaurants, individual contractors, beauty salons, and dry cleaners. Another factor that determines whether or not IT matters is the size of your businesses operation. Those businesses that compete in a global environment must undoubtedly answer the question: Does IT Matter? With a yes. When the scale of operations is that large it would be impossible for a business to effectively compete with other businesses that would utilize the use of IT. Conversely, if the scale of operations is much smaller and for example the business is a small town mechanic then there is almost no need for the use of IT. In conclusion, there is no clear answer to the question: Does IT Matter? Instead the answer is dependent upon the aspirations and organization of the business.