Medici Capital > Articles > SECTION 3 - IT And What Is Around The Corner

Article By:
Andrew Sirianni

SECTION 3 - IT And What Is Around The Corner

Tuesday, 6 March 2007

A colleague and I presented recently at the Pharmacy Snow Business Conference held at Mt Buller and posed a question to the participants: "How many of you know the specifications of your personal computer (PC), either at home or at work?" To my surprise and amazement, one person in the entire room raised their hand. From that point, my discussion changed course from advancements in Information Technology (IT) to UNDERSTANDING YOUR I.T.

Technology is changing at a rapid pace. Withstanding the "fun-stuff" there are also vast improvements occurring in business technology that can assist you and your business.

Take a look at your mobile phone ... or should I say your new PC. Mobile phones have taken off and can now be used as a powerful business tool. Many mobile phones now incorporate Bluetooth, Video Calling, MMS, Document Processing, Spreadsheet Processing, WiFi and Modem functionality.

I currently use a Nokia 9500 Communicator, it communicates with my car's dashboard via Bluetooth to allow me to make calls through the car's stereo, using the centre console as a dial. I can send pre-formatted faxes from my mobile complete with header information taken from the contact information on my SIM card. I can send documents and images using MMS messages, or send/receive emails from anywhere as long as I have phone reception.

If required, I can create, review or edit word documents and Excel Spreadsheets using a QWERTY keyboard. I have a removable memory card that allows me to transfer documents between my phone, other phones and PCs, (if I can't use the wireless connection or the Bluetooth). And for those times I'm travelling, I can access the internet through the phone at broadband speeds. Where the phone is too small, I use it as a modem for my PC, using Bluetooth I access broadband speeds through the mobile phone from my computer. Recently Vodafone has identified that they will increase mobile broadband to speeds of 2MBps by October 20. This will make mobile broadband faster than most ADSL connections.

SMS providers now have the ability to charge premiums for SMS messages. These systems also have the ability to record details of those who respond by SMS - essentially allowing you to compile a database of customers and mobile phone numbers. SMS can be used as a system for notifying customers to renew subscriptions, as an entry mode for in-store promotions or as a reminder to settle outstanding accounts. All this can be enabled through a PC (either automated or manual) - allowing for better customer management.

Wireless Broadband hotspots are essentially larger scaled versions of a Wireless Network that allow you to connect to the internet at a number of different locations across Australia. Perfect for those who enjoy accessing email while travelling. And prepaid cards allow you to use it when you need it.

Web 2.0 is a new form of web development that has come to light in recent months. It involves the development of web pages that allow increased interaction with users. Providing more functionality and participation from the user. Examples include Google Maps, Blogs, Wiki's and AJAX. In simple terms it's all about enabling software like functionality on a web page. (Note: The advent of Web 2.0 is going to provide increased strain on computer RAM since your computer will be responsible for a greater level of the functionality of the web page.)

CONCLUSION

I hope that this article has provided you with some interesting discussion points regarding IT in pharmacy and your personal life. I realise I have created more questions than posed answers, but such is the nature of IT. There is no one solution. Each business must look at their needs and requirements and then take calculated judgements to ensure that they take steps to adequately meet these needs.

But to ensure you are filling your need, you must have an understanding of what your requirements are and how your IT solution will meet these requirements - both on a technical level (software and hardware) and on a social level (policies, procedures and interaction with the system).

As I stated from the outset, I am not asking you to buy the best IT solution money can buy, nor am I recommending that there is one solution out there that's the be all and end all of IT. What I am saying is this:

Consider what your goals are (always keep an open mind);
Consider the purpose your IT is going to serve and use the IT components that suit your needs;
Identify and structure the use of your IT;
Manage your IT solutions; and
Make use of your IT reporting functions to tell you how you're doing.

Your IT is the biggest information repository you may have, both at home and in the business. Hardware and Software can do some amazing things. But efficiency does not always result in effectiveness. Take steps to ensure you know what IT you and your business uses, why it uses it, and how you can harness the power it produces.

Please remeber to review your IT strategy on an on-going basis. Rapid developments in IT mean that technologies, costs and computer requirements change on a regular basis.