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You Can’t Spell Productivity Without ICT
Information and communication technology (ICT) is more than just the computer on your desk; it could be how your company turns the corner on growth and productivity.
The ICT sector is one of the largest and fastest growing in Alberta yet it flies under the radar because of its ubiquitous nature. According to Patrick Binns, the executive director of the Alberta ICT Council, having a strong ICT sector is critical to productivity.
“Innovation inevitably involves change. Change involves processes. Processes are enabled by information. ICT enables information management.”
According to a series of interviews done with manufacturers and ICT companies, manufacturers are looking for ICT partners who understand their needs and can implement solutions that fit their needs. Conversely, ICT companies are looking to expand their customer base into the manufacturing sector.
“These are two pieces of the puzzle that aren’t connected. We’re connecting them together. It’s a win-win. It’s a win for ICT companies because their products are designed for the needs of organizations and manufacturers in Alberta win because now they have the tools to become more efficient,” says Binns.
The aim is to create opportunities for manufacturers by increasing their productivity through ICT tools.
“How can we use information better? What tools can we use that manufacturers need to be more efficient with their processes. It’s process design, enabling new ways to control your supplies, finding new areas of efficiency. It’s not just automation, it’s preparing for growth, it’s using technology to identify new processes to become more efficient. That’s the thrust of the work.”
Upgrading paper-based practices and older processes can help but ICT can also extend the reach of Alberta manufacturers through e-commerce and e-business tools. E-commerce consists of purchasing a product online while e-business would be providing customer support and customer self-service on the web.
Here are some of the challenges facing manufacturers that ICT can address: • Access to information - What information are your various business units generating? Is it useful? Where is stored? Who has access to it? • Production logistics management - Do you have access to the necessary information? How do you collect it? How do you report it? • Workflow management - Better managing your management. • ICT based communications - Communications cost has gone up, ICT can help find efficiencies ands save you money. • Multiple sources of truth - Do you really know which version of that document is the right one?
For more information on the connection between ICT and productivity, contact Productivity Alberta today.
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