How the Internet Has Influenced Office Automation

The Internet Connects Business to the Rest of the World

In its relatively short existence, the Internet has greatly impacted the way companies do business. Upgrades to business software make it possible to perform many of the operations that were originally designed for the Internet. Upgrades to business software also help to automate many office processes and procedures while increasing speed and accuracy.

Internet Sales

Sending out mailers, printing hundreds of fliers and going door-to-door to sell a product are no longer effective ways of selling products or services. Neither is renting expensive office space and hiring employees to effectively run a business. Now even the smallest business can project a big-company image simply by creating a professional-looking website using one of the many web-creation software packages available.

Presentation software makes it possible for companies to not only produce their own presentations and slide shows (as well as videos) to sell products and services, or to convey information to their employees and clients.

Direct Deposits

Many employees appreciate the convenience of having their paychecks deposited directly into their bank accounts on payday. Some of the leading accounting and payroll software like PeachTree, Timberline and QuickBooks, used by many employers, make it possible to not only make direct deposits but also pay bills and taxes directly from the program.

Email Communication

Maintaining customer and client contact information meant keeping a Rolodex-type card system, but it had its limitations. Now the same information is contained on computer programs designed specifically to maintain customer contact information along with special notes about the customer, their purchase history and other pertinent information.

Off-site Access

Outsourcing has become much easier with the use of the Internet. Projects that would have required having someone come into the office to perform typing, mailing or other support services can now be done remotely. Many businesses have off-site workers who perform essential duties from their home offices, some of whom have never met the people for whom the work is performed. Because of Internet access, employees don't have to work long into the night at the office when they can access their computers from home to put last-minute touches on a presentation or report due the next morning.

Medical Records

There have been major changes to the way doctors' offices operate with the availability of medical records online. The special software makes it possible for doctors to review current medications and send prescriptions directly to the pharmacy of your choice; view x-ray images and access records from multiple medical facilities or other doctors and view laboratory test results directly from a hand-held device.

References

• EZ Direct Deposit: Direct Deposits
• Medical Office Online: Electronic Medical Records