05+Capabilities+and+limitations+of+ICT

=Capabilities and limitations of ICT= ICT whether as a system or as robots have many advantages over manual systems. These mainly relate to the fact that computers can do the same task reeatedly, to the same standard and without needing any breaks. Text book Pages 48-49 and Questions on pages 54-55 ||  ||
 * =Advantages of ICT systems over manual systems= ||
 * Heading || Brief detail ||
 * 1 Repetitive processing. || Where the same task is repeated eg printing bank statements for 5000 customers, or on a factory production line. ||  ||
 * 2. Speed of processing. || This allows life like motion on screen eg for flight simulators, or games. Another good example is for monitoring a patient's condition eg MRI and CAT scans are generated directly from data captured and speed is vital. ||  ||
 * 3. Speed of Searching || You can use any database as an example, medical databases are good examples eg GP's database, Organ donor database. ||  ||
 * 4. Accuracy and speed. || Accuracy - computers will get the same results from a piece of data each time it is processed, humans wouldn't. Speed - focus on broadband and the speed of broadband has allowed for much improved transfer of large files such as video and graphics. Good example X-rays can now be dwnloaded anywhere so long as there's a broadband connection. ||  ||
 * 5. Data storage capacity. || Many examples because of use of computerised records hospitals are good example as X-rays and other scans can now be stored as digital images. ||  ||
 * 6. Ability to produce different output formats. || System can output as sound file, graphics, chart, video etc. Good example heart monitor - outputs as sound, graphical image on screen or printed statistical report. ||  ||
 * 7. Better security and backup. || Hierarchy of passwords can control who can acess data. And regular backups mean there always an earlier version to go back to. ||  ||
 * Summary

Factors affacting the efficiency of data processing systems
Mind Map

I've also saved this as an image if you can't open the file above. (Data processing systems may also be called Transaction processing systems)

Limitations of Data Processing Systems
Lots of factors may limit the efficiency of the system. Software considerations, insufficient testing and costs seem critical.Text book pages 51 and 52  ||
 * === Limitations of Data processing systems (Factors that could limit the success of the system )=== ||
 * Brief Heading || Detail ||
 * Software considerations || Limitations include - the ability to transfer data; Bugs in the software; Compatability with Operating system, other software, hardware, data; Poor design of software (causes user frustration and error etc) ||  ||
 * Change in Circumstances of the organisation || Business or Organisation could be taken over, reduce in size, have a change in funding, different focus, new chairman (endless possibilities) ||  ||
 * Speed of implementation || Speed is essential especially as there could be other changes, BUT if done too quickly there may not be sufficient testing which will lead to problems. If it takes too long the system could be out dated almost as soon as it is introduced. ||  ||
 * Compatibility || Things to consider - will the system work with the existing data, or new data if its imported; will the system work with the existing software; will the system work with the existing hardware? ||  ||
 * Insufficient testing || Can lead to many problems - System is frustrating for the user; System doesn't do what it is required to do; System doesn't produce the correct results; Also it could lead to security loopholes which hackers can exploit. Remember, though Windows XP had 40 million lines of code it would have been impossible to test everything! ||  ||
 * Poor communications with user || Consultatioin with the user at all stages are vital to ensure success. ||  ||
 * Ability of user || This should be assessed before implementing teh system. If ignored then it can lead to User frustration, increased training costs, frequent calls to help desk, resistance by users to the system. ||  ||
 * Poor post implementation || Procedures need to be in place to iron out initial problems and support the user, Help desk, user guide ||  ||
 * Maintenance problems || If the system is not maintaine dthen it won't last very long. Maintenance includes, regular backup, uypdating software, changing passwords on a regualr basis. ||  ||
 * Cost || Cost will always be a limiting factor. It affects the amount time allowed for developing the system, the amount of new hardware and software that can be bought and the training available, and the availability of updates for software ||  ||
 * Hardware || There are cost implications - but any requirement to renew hardware would be based on the needs of the system. New systems may not always run as well as originally designed if run on old hardware. Example of a medical centre which in order to maintain compatibility with other health centres had to upgarde their PCs to run Windows XP it cost over £20k because of this "software upgrade". ||  ||
 * Support || Users may feel that support is poor in any of these areas -The help desk, training (initial and on-going), user guides, problems reporting faults ||  ||
 * Summary