Introduction
Smartphone such as Samsung galaxy series, BlackBerry and iPad are increasingly being applied by firms for various functions particularly in the management of information systems. Initially, Smartphones were primarily used for communication purposes (Pitichat, 2013). However, the technological advances have led to the evolution of these gadgets from communication devices to smarter and sophisticated devices with advanced computing ability (Pitichat, 2013). The data collection, storage and processing are the major functional area where Smartphones devises have been widely applied within the organisation.
The Information Technology Systems Management (ITSM) is the business function that plans, develops, implements and maintains information technology hardware and software (Baltzan, Detlor & Welsh, 2012). In fact, Smartphones gadgets such as iPad have widely been used in this area. Besides, ITSM involves combining various functional areas through information sharing to ensure successful operations in the firm (Rouse, 2007).
High tech Smartphones devices such as iPad with increased capabilities have enabled the organisations to integrate all the functions of ITSM. Therefore, the topic area is critical in the understanding the practicality and applicability of Smartphones devices in ITSM. Essentially the paper will be examining the significance of practical applications of Smartphones in ITSM.
Practical Applications of Smartphones in Information Technology Systems Management
Developments in mobile phone technology into more sophisticated gadgets with increased computing such as iPad have enabled various business departments to carry out their business functions more competently and successfully (Baltzan et al., 2012). Current technological innovations and creativity in the mobile phone industry has enhanced management of business information systems. In fact, Smartphones technology has continued to play a crucial role in establishing initiatives that drive businesses in fulfilling their respective goals and objectives by improving efficiency in operations.
Many employees are resorting to the use of Smartphones including iPad in handling both individual information and work related data. Besides, many companies such as Samsung have continued to improve on Smartphone technology particularly in developing gadgets that can increase productivity and enhance efficiency (Miller-Merrell, 2012). For instance, Samsung iPad galaxy series have been made with increased computing technology, which increases practical applications in data storage and processing.
Accessibility of Information
The need to have unlimited access to information from within and outside an organisation has encouraged the increased application of personalised Smartphone gadgets in information management (Miller-Merrell, 2012). In fact, current employees consider personal Smartphone such as Samsung galaxy series and iPad more convenient compared with the devices provided by their respective companies. Consequently, many companies have adopted the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy where employees are allowed to use desired personal Smartphones within the firm (Pitichat, 2013).
Pitichat (2013) further argued that the policy has contributed to the reduction of costs associated with purchasing and maintaining new devices and improved efficiency in the information management. In reality, firms and employees currently prefer Smartphone gadgets with multiple applications such as iPad due to their increased capability in information accessibility.
Organisations have improved accessibility to information through connection to external systems using Smartphones (Pitichat, 2013). For example, several banks have opted to use Smartphones to contact their clients and verify accounts. In fact, some banks have created such applications for their clients where they can conduct transactions through their Smartphones devices. Additionally, organisations have been able to access information on their customers, competitors and suppliers through applications of Smartphones devices.
Smartphones such as BlackBerry have applications that increase the accessibility of information, which is critical in enhancing the organisations’ effectiveness particularly in the management of tasks and projects (Baltzan et al., 2012). Besides, iPad are currently replacing laptops in applicability by the organisations. For instance, the increased mobility of iPad together with its computerised capabilities enables managers to monitor, follow and convey information that relates to a particular assignment.
Use of Information
The distinct capabilities of certain Smartphones such as BlackBerry have made various organisations to carry out calculations. In fact, companies such as the iPhone and BlackBerry have devised distinctive calculation applications on their Smartphones to manage computations that are exclusive to the respective users. Most of the computation software used across the globe is generally designed for a variety of functions but not to a specific need.
For a long time, businesses have been hurt by managerial decisions arising from poor computations. The introduction of such technologies in various Smartphones such as the latest version of Samsung galaxy, commonly used by businesses, has ensured that firms can use an application that best suits their calculation requirements (Miller-Merrell, 2012).
The capabilities of Smartphones increase their usability in troubleshooting and problem solving. For instance, lumia, the latest Nokia’s Smartphones, are currently being applied by various firms to take pictures from a problem spot and sent to relevant authorities to provide professional assistance. Besides, the device is used by experts to easily find solutions to some of the problems in their respective professional fields. In fact, the devise have enhanced video conferencing capability, which allow experts to create forums and sites where people can seek professional guidance on issues.
Besides, almost all Smartphones gadgets have improved communication in organisations. Essentially, good communications are crucial aspects of management in any organisation. Employees prefer the current internal communication channels used in organisations such as internal social networks and instant messaging services compared with external communication channels such as electronic mails (Baltzan et al., 2012). In fact, the internal communication channels are secure and private in nature. Smartphones gadgets such as Samsung galaxies, BlackBerry, Nokia lumia as well as iPad provide the friendliest technology with which to work.
In addition, Samsung galaxies and various models of iPad have been widely applied in recording and storing information for future reference. In fact, the devices have been applied by organisations regularly to improve their services by storing, creating and executing new ideas. In most cases, firms come up with innovations, which become misplaced and disposed of unknowingly (Miller-Merrell, 2012).
The mentioned devices have been developed to automatically record and store such information in formats that can easily be retrieved when the need arises. For example, the latest developed iPad can follow and document time taken to carrying out an assignment, which enhance efficiency in the future management of information. Besides, the gadget integrates all the information that can be stores in crucial documents including receipts for future references (Rush, 2011).
Enhancement of Information Sharing
According to Anderson and Rainie (2010), Smartphones have enhanced information sharing in organisations. In fact, Samsung galaxy series apply the 4G technology, which enhances information sharing within the organisation (Pitichat, 2013). In addition, the application of 4G technology in the current Smartphone gadgets such as Nokia lumia and Samsung galaxy series has created an environment where employees can easily engage their peers and superiors on matters concerning the organisation through social media platforms (Anderson & Rainie, 2010). In fact, some firms have developed internal applications that connect people within the organisation. The good thing about such networks is that people can engage in discussions at their own time and pleasure (Rush, 2011).
Similarly, the use of iPad in ITSM has expanded the scope of information available to the organisation’s stakeholders (Rouse, 2007). In an attempt to make employees be fruitful and knowledgeable, organisations have developed internal processes that improve the availability of a wide range of information. The integration of Smartphones such as iPad in social networking applications provides a platform in which knowledge can be shared simply from varied sources (Miller-Merrell, 2012).
Besides, Pitichat (2013) argued that Smartphones have boosted the manner in which organisations interact with their clientele. Customer interaction is undoubtedly an imperative concern for any business. Therefore, every business would establish an elaborate platform through which the needs of its clientele are comprehensively addressed.
Several Smartphone applications have been developed to enhance an organisation’s relation with its customers. For instance, Samsung galaxies are not only developed to enhance personal communications but also for business applications (Rush, 2011). In fact, the gadgets have been widely applied in the processing of credit cards. In addition, devices such as iPad have replaced the desktop computers and laptops widely applied in business management. For instance, iPad are currently used to monitor the movement of goods being delivered into the firm as well as finished products being shipped to customers (Baltzan et al., 2012).
Conclusion
Smartphones including Samsung galaxy series, Nokia lumia series, BlackBerry and iPad of various models have deeply been integrated into peoples’ lives not only for communications but also for a wide range of functions. In fact, the introduction of such Smartphones devices has greatly changed the management of information technology systems in organisations. Generally, more innovative ideas are still being developed to improve Smartphone usage particularly in information management systems.
References
Anderson, J. Q. & Rainie, L. (2010). The future of cloud computing. Web.
Baltzan, P., Detlor, B., & Welsh, C. (2012). Business driven information systems. Toronto, Canada: McGraw-Hill/Ryerson.
Miller-Merrell, J. (2012). The workplace engagement economy where HR, social, mobile, and tech collide. Employment Relations Today, 6(2), 1-9.
Pitichat, T. (2013). Smartphones in the workplace: Changing organisational behavior, transforming the future. A Journal of Trans-disciplinary Writing and Research, 3(1), 1-10.
Rouse, M. (2007). Cellular phone (mobile telephone): Search mobile computing.
Rush, S. (2011). Problematic use of smartphones in the workplace: an introductory study.