The goal of this study was to understand the needs of business community for the automation/computerization of business processes and the level of automation that exists in business. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire through a direct interview method. One hundred respondents were interviewed and most of the people interviewed were either the proprietors of the concern or the managers. The entire sample covered a broad range of businesses including garment dealers and manufacturers, silk sari dealers and manufacturers, dealers of food and beverages. The study suggests that although there are people who have upgraded their business processes by implementing computerization but there are a good number of people who have no idea about it or even if they have they are skeptical about going for it mainly because of lack of knowledge or awareness.
The study further showed that the people who have computerized their business have more inclination towards non-customized software in contrast to the customized one. This trend was noticed across all the business segments studied. The reason for this trend is because of the following reasons;
Cost of customization
-Easy availability of the software
-Promotion of the software
-Brand image of the non-customized software
People have a perception that customization of the software involve extra cost and as the non-customized software is easily available in the market they think that it is user friendly and less complicated to install and use.
One more reason for this trend is the promotional activities followed by many players in this business, be it the word of mouth, promotion using print media like newspapers, magazines etc or through electronic media like TV, Radio etc.
Some of the non-customized software companies have been able to build a strong brand image in the market, which also influences the buyers' decision.
One more factor that is responsible for this trend is the turn over of the company, as it was noticed that more the turn over of the company more is the level of automation and customization.
[...] Their experts cover a range of business knowledge including electronic commerce, business processes and web security. By focusing on only a few projects at a time and staffing each with carefully selected personnel with the best fit, they aim to meet client objectives. In each engagement, their consultants can bring their experience to bear in not only implementing client specified requirements and architecture but also add additional value by suggesting improvements, alternative and more optimal approaches, changes to avoid potential pitfalls and perform trouble shooting as necessary. [...]
[...] The Key Benefits of Workflow Improved efficiency - automation of many business processes results in the elimination of many unnecessary steps Better process control - improved management of business processes achieved through standardizing working methods and the availability of audit trails Improved customer service consistency in the processes leads to greater predictability in levels of response to customers Flexibility software control over processes enables their re-design in line with changing business needs Business process improvement - focus on business processes leads to their streamlining and simplification Automation provides companies with three main benefits Integration of enterprise applications. [...]
[...] STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM In order to know the level of the computer usage (automation) and the type of software in use in the market with reference to the following business segments; Silk saree manufacturers and Dealers Garment manufacturers and Dealers Dealers of Food and Beverages, The study was undertaken to access the needs of the business community so that the company can be able to come out with an appropriate software solution to cater the present market requirements. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY For any research work it is important to determine the broader objectives well in advance. [...]
[...] CHART: 6 FINDINGS Following are the findings made by the researcher; o Majority of the respondents are still dependent on the age-old manual ways of accounting, maintaining finances and inventory management of their business processes i.e o 33% of the total respondents have computerized operations, where as are doing it both manually as well as by using computers. This trend shows that these companies are giving importance to the time management. As it is said that time saved is money saved, thus by using computers, firms are indirectly saving money i.e. [...]
[...] A typical business will have a variety of software needs like Networking, WAN, Sales Automation, Intranet solutions etc. There is a need to understand a company's need and come up with the software solution recommending the right technology backbone and developing customized software for their needs. Based on this product portfolio classification, the communication objective will get defined. For example certain products will have to use mass media while others will use niche magazines and others will be direct mail focused. [...]
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