Technology in the Office Technology Allows Us To

Technology in the Office Technology Allows Us To… Disadvantages of Technology Updating Technology Selecting Which Program is the Best to Use What Training is Needed to Use Programs Safety Whilst Using Office Equipment

Technology in the office has: Improved the way tasks are performed Eliminated the drudgery of many office tasks Given us the opportunity to be more creative and innovative Created more interesting and diverse job activities Provided us with better career opportunities

Transmit documents around the world instantaneously Send access messages electronically Store in and access documents from networked electronic filing system Access specific information almost instantaneously and generate reports Monitor stock levels, generate purchase orders, automatically have orders filled and pay creditors – all electronically Participate in meetings with delegates from remote sites through video conferencing Access from and contribute to a wealth of information through an international database, the internet

Technology brings with it some disadvantages: • If there is insufficient training, staff may become stressed • Health problems may develop through overuse of keyboards and glare from screens • Security of information through virus attack and computer hackers can also cause problems

The program for updating equipment in the workplace will be influenced by: The capability of existing equipment to do the job Its value as a trade-in on new equipment The availability of parts if replacements are required Advances in technology The current financial state of the company The current laws on depreciation of equipment and possible tax advantages in a particular financial year

Some of the major considerations in the selection of most office equipment include its: Purchase price or leasing cost Size Operational speed Capacity Versatility User-friendly Ease in reloading consumables Diagnostic display Lack of complexity

Whether through formal training or self-training, it is important to learn from the outset: The main functions of the equipment How to operate it correctly and efficiently Safety precautions that need to be observed Maintenance and cleaning requirements The procedure to follow for correcting or reporting faults

Whatever office equipment is installed, ensure that: It is located in ergonomically-friendly locations in relation to workplace activities Workstations are designed to eliminate any workplace hazards Tasks are designed to reduce the possibility of overuse syndrome