Exploring the Drawbacks of Computerized Information Systems
The use of computerized information systems (CIS) has become increasingly popular in the world of business today. These systems automate many business processes, reduce errors, and increase efficiency significantly. Despite these benefits, CISs come with their drawbacks that businesses must be aware of to make informed decisions. This article will explore some of the common drawbacks of computerized information systems that businesses should be mindful of.
Lack of Flexibility and Customization
One of the major drawbacks of computerized information systems is the lack of flexibility and customization. Many CISs are pre-designed and do not cater to specific business needs. It can be challenging or even impossible to make modifications to the system once it is implemented. This creates a significant challenge for businesses that operate in unique environments.
An example of this is the implementation of the healthcare information systems that record the medical histories of patients with predefined modules that do not allow for personalization. This limits doctors to use their preferred approaches, which can lead to multiple hospitals implementing several sub-optimal systems.
Cybersecurity Risks
Another significant drawback of computerized information systems is the threat of cybersecurity risks. CISs are vulnerable to viruses, hacking, and other malicious attacks, which can expose sensitive information and cause significant damage to a company’s reputation.
For example, in 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack affected over 200,000 computers in over 150 countries, demanding ransom payments up-front if users wanted to regain control of their devices and breach the personal information of millions of users.
Cost and Dependency
The implementation of computerized information systems can be costly, making it more challenging for small businesses to afford. Additionally, businesses with CISs can become highly dependent on them, creating a single point of failure for the businesses in case the system goes down.
For instance, losing access to a customer database could lead to organizations unable to perform operation and engaging with their customers, resulting in significant financial losses.
Impact on Human Relationships
CISs can adversely affect human relationships, as employees have to interact less with each other in the workplace. This creates a barrier to interpersonal communication and collaboration, which can weaken relationships among employees.
Additionally, CISs can lead to the replacement of human workers with automated systems, which can create redundancies and cause some employees to lose their jobs. The impact of the lack of human relationships in the workplace can lead to a deteriorating and hostile work environment that could harm team morale and productivity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several drawbacks that come with computerized information systems. However, it’s important to remember that these systems are essential for the efficient operation of modern-day businesses. It’s important to understand how these systems work, and what their limitations are, to make informed decisions on the benefits and potential risks associated with implementing them.
