The Advantages of Using ICT
By: Andra Picincu
Updated November 08, 2018
Information and communication technology (ICT) is widely used across various industries, from marketing and telecom to education. Global ICT spending is expected to surge to over $6 trillion by 2022. The rise of artificial intelligence, big data analytics and augmented reality contributes to the rapid growth of this industry. Organizations worldwide can leverage the advantages of ICT to increase productivity in the workplace, cut operational costs and improve customer experience.
Information and Communication Technology Explained
At the most basic level, ICT encompasses all technologies that allow individuals and businesses to interact in the digital world. Internet connectivity, online transactions, hardware, software and cloud computing are just a few to mention. The advancements in this industry fuel the global economy, international trade, communication and services across all sectors.
The terms IT and ICT are often used interchangeably. Despite their similarities, they’re not one and the same. Information and communication technology has a broader scope than IT and focuses primarily on wireless networks, internet access and other communication channels. ICT includes all of the tools and resources used to create, store, process and exchange information. These include but are not limited to:
- Mobile phones and tablets
- Telephony services
- Video conferencing
- Storage devices
- Broadcasting technologies
- Websites and blogs
- Email
- Computer hardware
- Interactive digital whiteboards
- E-readers
- Social networks
- VoIP services
- Instant messaging
- Intranet
By comparison, IT (information technology) encompasses tools and resources related to computing technology. Whether you’re working as an individual or a business entity, you’re using both IT and ICT in your everyday life. Simple things, such as making phone calls, watching TV and surfing the web, wouldn’t be possible without these technologies.
As a business owner, it’s important that you understand and reap the advantages of ICT. This technology can reduce your costs, free up your time and simplify your day-to-day operations. It also allows you to reach your target audience more effectively and improve customer relationships. Furthermore, ICT can help you remain competitive and maximize your marketing efforts.
Explore the Advantages of ICT
Information and communication technology has a wide range of applications in business, from data analysis to administrative tasks, accounting, engineering and market research. It’s enough to think about the tools you’re using in the workplace, such as computers, laptops and software. Without these devices, you wouldn’t be able to run your business and perform the simplest tasks.
The importance of ICT tools extends beyond basic operations like data input and processing. VoIP software, for example, enables users to make phone calls and hold conferences across IP-based networks. This technology involves lower costs than mobile telephony and traditional landline services, helping businesses reduce their expenses. Calls between VoIP users are free.
VoIP technology integration is hassle free and doesn’t require special training. Your employees can start using it right away. Integrative voice recognition, automatic call distribution and web conferencing are just a few of its key features. Thanks to this service, communication is easier than ever before and allows for greater mobility.
Technologies like email, PCs and smartphones have transformed the way companies operate and individuals interact with each other. In this digital age, at least 70 percent of employees worldwide work remotely at least once a week. Approximately 53 percent work outside the office for at least half of the week. All of this would not be possible without internet access, computers, file-sharing programs and team collaboration software.
Philips, Nelsen, Dell, Amazon and other internal companies leverage the power of ICT to hire and manage remote workers. This allows them to save money and create new jobs. At the same time, employees benefit from a better work-life balance and greater flexibility. It’s estimated that a staggering 38 percent of full-time employees will predominantly work remotely by 2028.
There are many other advantages of information and communication technology. Companies can now use the latest software to predict customer behavior, create highly targeted marketing campaigns and reach millions of potential or existing clients in real time. Additionally, they are able to manage their resources more efficiently, automate complex tasks and develop better products.
Streamline and Improve Business Management
Whether you own a small business or an established organization, you can use ICT tools for inventory control, accounting, data processing and other operations. This technology allows for a seamless transfer of information through network computers and shared electronic files, increasing the efficiency of business processes.
Accounting software, for example, makes it easier to manage and process financial data. With these programs, you can keep your books up to date, track your finances and get accurate reports. The latest software can automatically adjust assets, transfer funds and backup your data. This can free up your time so you can focus on the core aspects of your business.
The cost savings shouldn’t be overlooked either. Approximately 14 percent of businesses outsource their accounting and bookkeeping, which isn’t exactly cheap. The costs are even higher for those who employ people to handle these tasks. The average salary of an accountant is $61,696 per year. If you’re a small business, you may not be able to afford these services. Accounting software, on the other hand, is available for a low monthly fee starting from $15 and up, so it could save you thousands of dollars per year.
Reach Your Best Customers
The advantages of ICT in marketing are reason enough to embrace the latest technology. Today, companies have access to cutting-edge software that allows them to reach their best buyers in less time and for lower costs. Consider programmatic advertising, for example.
Organizations that utilize this technology can place automatic bids on advertising inventory in real time. Basically, they analyze customer and market data and then enter that data into the system to identify and reach their target audience through personalized ads. Furthermore, they receive detailed reports that provide valuable insights about the performance of their marketing campaigns.
Currently, over 62 percent of marketers use programmatic advertising to create laser-targeted campaigns. Increased efficiency, accurate data measurement, real-time reporting and superior targeting capabilities all contribute to the growing popularity of this technology.
With programmatic advertising, you can target the right audience in the right environment at the right time. This will help you increase your reach and make the most out of your marketing budget. Plus, human error will no longer be an issue.
Other Uses of ICT
Industries across all sectors can leverage the power of information and communication technology. The benefits of ICT in teaching and learning, for instance, include the development of new, innovative ways to interact and communicate with students, higher engagement rates, faster learning and improved teaching methods. Students with special needs can use modern software and assistive technologies to achieve peak academic performance and master the skills needed to succeed in life and in their career.
ICT also plays a key role in the global economy and poverty reduction. The internet, email, collaboration software and other ICT tools help connect all local and central government departments, improve living standards, assist international economic integration and more.
Governments can use this technology to provide citizens with convenient access to information and services. ICT also helps strengthen the legal framework that promotes democracy and enables information exchange between institutions.
Whether your goal is to generate more revenue, expand your operations or optimize internal processes, you need a strong ICT strategy. These technologies have transformed the way companies access and use information, how people carry out jobs and how they experience leisure, culture and entertainment.
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