ICT is a general term for information processing and communication technology, and its evolution has been remarkable in recent years. The use of ICT is progressing in many fields, and the number of products and services based on ICT is increasing.
This article provides an overview of ICT, why the need for it is increasing, the benefits of using it, and how companies can effectively utilize ICT.
What is ICT?
If you are involved in business, you may have heard of it, but I think there are many people who say, “I kind of know the words, but it’s difficult to explain.” First, I will explain the meaning and overview of ICT.
A term referring to information processing and communication technologies
ICT is an acronym for “Information and Communication Technology” and is a general term for information processing and communication technologies. Technology that enables communication using information and communication devices such as the Internet, applications, and SNS.
In modern times, the Internet has become widespread and has come to be used as a matter of course in daily life. As digitalization progresses, communication between people and communication that connects people and things using the Internet has also become important. In addition to information processing, emphasis has also been placed on sharing information and knowledge using technology.
When you hear just the word ICT, it may seem difficult, but even if you don’t know what it means, we are already using it. Some familiar examples include:
In this way, many people around the world are already exposed to this technology and are using it in their daily lives.
Difference between “IT” and “IoT”
We often hear the terms “IT” and “IoT” together with ICT, but each of the three has different characteristics.
First of all, IT is an acronym for “Information Technology,” and it refers to all communication technologies such as computers, smartphones, applications, and office automation equipment, and includes a broader scope than ICT. In other words, IT is “communication technology itself,” and ICT refers to “information technology used for communication.” Since ICT is a technology included in IT, these terms are often used interchangeably.
Next, IoT is an acronym for “Internet of Things,” meaning “Internet of Things.” “Things” refer to all kinds of things, such as cars, machines, and home appliances, and IoT means connecting these to the Internet. For example, “smart home appliances”, which have been a hot topic recently, utilize this IoT technology. You can connect various things to the Internet, such as linking your smartphone app to your refrigerator so you can check the ingredients from your smartphone at any time, or linking your smartphone app to your air conditioner to turn the air conditioner on and off from outside. This improves the convenience of life.
Why is the need for ICT increasing?
With the remarkable digitalization in recent years, the need for ICT has also increased significantly. Here I will explain why.
Improving productivity and efficiency
A large number of companies are introducing ICT to improve business productivity and efficiency.
For example, in the case of data entry, if the simple task of simply inputting data is performed by multiple people using an analog method, it may incur time costs and reduce productivity. Human error may also occur.
However, by using ICT, it is possible to reduce man-hours and facilitate communication, leading to a reduction in time costs for the company as a whole.
Decrease in the working population
Another reason for the increasing need for ICT is Japan’s social problem of a declining working population. Currently, Japan is experiencing a declining birthrate, aging population, and declining working population, and companies are facing a serious labor shortage. Even if they want more manpower, they can’t increase it, so companies need to create a system that allows them to run their operations smoothly even without manpower. The use of ICT is attracting attention as a way to solve this problem.
For example, by utilizing ICT and using services and systems that utilize AI, it becomes possible to automate some tasks. Even with a small number of people, we can create a system that allows operations to proceed smoothly.
Introduction of telework
The use of ICT is also required in
telework
due to the impact of the new coronavirus and work style reforms.
As a company, we need to review the way we work, including how we communicate and conduct business in a remote environment, and then put in place an appropriate system.
Chat tools and online conference tools that utilize ICT technology are effective in this regard. By utilizing these tools, interactions within the team will become smoother, and communication can be expected to be activated even when working from home. It can be said that the introduction of ICT is essential to building a telework environment.
Six benefits of using ICT
ICT is expected to continue to develop in the future, and its use will bring various benefits. From here, we will explain six benefits of using ICT.
Improve operational efficiency
Utilizing ICT can improve work efficiency. For example, ICT can be used to automate tasks that used to be done manually, clerical work that requires calculations, etc. to improve efficiency. In addition, human errors and careless mistakes are inevitable in tasks performed by humans, but such human errors can be prevented by automating operations.
Furthermore, by reducing tedious tasks, each employee may be able to concentrate on their main tasks or have the opportunity to take on new tasks, potentially improving the productivity of each employee.
By creating a comfortable work environment using ICT, work can be done more smoothly and productively.
new business opportunities
ICT enables communication using information and communication devices such as the Internet, applications, and SNS, making it possible to interact with many customers both domestically and internationally, and creating new business opportunities. Probably. For example, by using SNS, you can approach customer groups and regions that you have never interacted with before. Through these efforts, you will be able to further develop your company.
Enables diverse work styles
In recent years, various work styles such as telework have become widespread due to the impact of the new coronavirus and work style reforms. When considering work-life balance and creating a comfortable work environment for employees, it is important for companies to respond to diverse work styles.
By utilizing ICT, work that previously had to be done by commuting to the office can now be performed from anywhere, or work can be carried out online while holding meetings with other members of the company. It can accommodate a variety of work styles.
Activation of communication
The use of ICT also leads to more active communication. By using a smartphone, you can communicate by phone or email even in a telework environment or on the go.
Companies that have adopted telework have fewer opportunities to meet face-to-face, and employees may feel uneasy about communication with each other. However, you can easily communicate online using chat tools and online meeting tools. You can share information with multiple people in real time, and achieve smooth communication that transcends the constraints of time and location, even with remote parties.
fast decision making
Utilizing ICT also leads to faster decision-making. When an important decision has to be made at a meeting, if the person making the decision cannot participate, it will be difficult to make the decision on the spot, and the next action will not be taken quickly. However, by using online tools, decision-makers can participate in meetings remotely and smooth decision-making.
Utilization for marketing
ICT can also be used in
marketing strategies
.
For example, if you run an e-commerce site, you can use ICT to obtain data on the behavior of users who visit the site, as well as data on product sales and user groups who purchase. This information can be used to improve marketing measures.
By introducing ICT not only in daily operations but also in marketing, you can aim to increase sales and improve your ability to attract customers.
Points to note when using ICT
Although ICT has many advantages, there are some points to be aware of when using it. I will explain three points to be careful about when using it.
It is costly to introduce
When using ICT, it is important to understand that there are costs involved in implementing it.
For example, when introducing the technology into a company, there are of course financial costs such as the cost of purchasing digital terminals for inputting tasks, the cost of introducing the core system, etc., and the cost of understanding the technology that has been introduced. There will also be time costs such as time and training and support for employees.
However, although it involves financial and time costs, ICT can improve work efficiency and productivity if used properly. It’s a good idea to figure out how much it will cost in advance and consider the cost-effectiveness before considering implementing it.
Some people are unable to use ICT
When introducing ICT into a company, it is necessary to follow up with people who cannot use ICT well. The purpose of ICT is not to introduce it, but to use it effectively to improve work efficiency and productivity. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure that everyone involved in the business can use it properly. However, some companies may not be very good at using the Internet, and even if they have introduced it, they may not be able to use it very well.
Rather than thinking that only those who can use it should be able to use it, it is important to provide thorough support and training until they learn how to use it and are able to use it effectively.
There is a concern that building such a system will increase the burden on those in charge, but if the entire company becomes proficient at using it, the benefits mentioned above can be obtained, so it is important to provide thorough support and training. Sho.
Security needs to be addressed
In order to use ICT, it is necessary to arrange an Internet environment, and security measures are also required. Although it is good to connect to the Internet, if security is not taken care of, confidential data may be leaked or cyber attacks may occur, resulting in major damage. When using ICT, be sure to take thorough measures regarding security. When introducing it into a company, it would be a good idea to conduct training for employees to raise security awareness and establish rules for handling data.
How companies can effectively utilize ICT
Introducing ICT has a huge impact on a company’s development. However, if you don’t use it properly, you won’t be able to get the most out of it. From here, we will explain how companies can effectively utilize ICT.
Strengthening IT literacy throughout the company
As mentioned in the previous section, “4.2 Some people are not able to use ICT,” when introducing ICT into a company, it is necessary to ensure that all people involved in the work can use it properly. We will strengthen your IT literacy by providing solid support and training until you learn how to use it and can master it.
Avoid introducing ICT as a goal
Care must be taken to ensure that the introduction of ICT does not become the goal. The purpose of ICT is not to introduce it, but to improve business efficiency and solve business problems. It’s good to introduce something, but if it becomes a goal and the problem you’re having isn’t solved, it’s meaningless. Decide in advance what kind of work you want to make more efficient, and choose a tool that fits your purpose.
Listen to employee opinions and make improvements
When implementing a system in a company, it is important to listen to the opinions of employees and make improvements. No matter how high-performance you introduce something, it will be meaningless if it doesn’t suit the on-site situation, or if it’s not easy to use and doesn’t increase efficiency.
Aim to constantly improve your product by listening to the opinions of employees who are actually using it and receiving regular feedback.
Use ICT tools properly
When utilizing ICT in your company, use different tools for each business purpose. For example, if you want to check the attendance status of employees during telework, cloud-based attendance management tools or virtual offices are suitable. When creating contracts, using electronic signature tools, chat tools, etc. will lead to greater efficiency.
Utilize low-cost ICT tools and ICT introduction subsidies for companies
For companies that are worried about implementing ICT tools due to cost constraints, there are many low-cost ICT tools available, so it would be a good idea to start with the ones that are easiest to use. Many of them have a free trial period, so in that case, you can first check the usability and proceed with the introduction after you are confident that your company can fully utilize it.
There are also subsidies available for companies to start using ICT, such as the government’s IT introduction subsidy. If you can receive subsidies, you will be able to proceed with the introduction of ICT while keeping costs down.
Steps to implement ICT in your company
What steps should companies take when actually introducing ICT? I will explain the steps here.
Determine implementation plans and objectives
First, set a plan and purpose. It’s not enough just to introduce tools; you need to choose tools that suit your company’s issues and concerns. It is important to clarify “what kind of problem you want to solve” and decide on a plan and purpose based on that. Ask your employees for their opinions, raise specific issues and concerns, and consider them.
Checking the business flow
Once you have a concrete understanding of the work that is causing the issue, check the flow of how the work is currently being carried out. The work of performing this check will also help you decide what kind of tool to use. Let’s check from various perspectives, such as digging deeper into the causes of the issue and whether it is really necessary to introduce it.
Assuming the system after introduction
Once you have decided on your plans and objectives, it is also important to envision what the system will look like after it is introduced. By setting the following points in advance, you can proceed smoothly.
Share information within the company and conduct training
Once the system after implementation is decided, share information within the company and conduct training in advance. There is a possibility that there will be a major change from the way we work in the past, so we need to make sure that all employees are able to respond well and do not feel burdened.
Some employees may not be too happy about the change to their traditional way of working. In that case, be sure to thoroughly explain why ICT is effective and get them to understand and then accept the introduction.
Measure effectiveness and make improvements
After implementation, be sure to verify the status after implementation and make improvements if necessary. Even if you spend money to introduce it, there is no point if it is not effective, such as because it is not very efficient or easy to use. Measure the effects to see if the issues have been properly improved, and if the desired results are not achieved, improvements need to be made.
It is also very important to hear opinions from people who are actually using the product. Let’s check the data and verify the situation to see if business efficiency is progressing.
Examples of ICT usage
ICT is already being used in our daily lives and is even featured in the news. From here, we will explain specific usage examples by field.
Education field
In Japan, education using ICT is beginning to be widely introduced. For example, devices such as computers and tablets are used in classes in a variety of ways, such as using digitally created textbooks and providing explanations using images and videos. In conventional classes, it was common for the teacher to explain the lesson unilaterally, and the students to take the lesson and copy it in their notebooks.However, by incorporating ICT, there are fewer passive lessons, and students themselves can actively participate in the lesson. Now you can participate. This active education is called “active learning,” and it is an initiative that is attracting attention as it is expected to improve learning ability.
medical field
In recent years, ICT has been introduced in the medical field for the purpose of building remote medical systems. Telemedicine systems make it possible to provide medical care to patients who are unable to visit hospitals due to distance issues. For example, it is now possible to conduct online medical consultations in real time, check for patient abnormalities (such as respiratory failure or arrhythmia), and prescribe medications that reflect the patient’s health status.
Nursing care field
ICT is also being introduced in the nursing care field. Japan is experiencing a declining birthrate and aging population, and the importance of caring for the elderly and confirming their safety will increase in the future. Even within families, there will be a need to regularly check on the health status of parents. ICT is being introduced to solve such problems.
For example, efforts have begun to monitor the elderly by installing web cameras in their rooms and sensors on water supplies and home appliances to check whether they are living safely.
Construction/civil engineering field
When we hear the field of construction and civil engineering, we tend to think that it is still analog, but in fact, the country is very proactive in promoting the introduction of ICT in the field of construction and civil engineering. Thanks in part to the effects of “i-Construction,” which the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has started promoting, construction that utilizes drones, AI, VR equipment, etc. has been adopted in recent years.
When constructing high-rise buildings and large facilities, difficult situations arise in a variety of ways, such as difficulty in getting people in and out, and danger. In such situations, drones and AI can be used to obtain accurate data without having to enter dangerous areas, and VR equipment can be used to visualize the completed building. This not only improves work efficiency, but also allows for safer work and lower cost construction.
Disaster prevention field
Various companies provide ICT services related to disaster prevention. There are many systems that can be used even in the event of a highly urgent disaster, such as “Emergency Alert Mail,” which sends emergency alerts all at once to mobile phones in affected areas, and disaster information sharing systems such as safety confirmation services. You can easily use it from your smartphone, so be sure to use it to protect yourself from disasters.
Agriculture field
ICT is now being actively used in the agricultural field. There is even a term called “smart agriculture,” and we are creating a new era of agriculture that utilizes ICT and robot technology.
In Japan’s agricultural field, securing labor and reducing the burden are important issues. Therefore, by utilizing “smart agriculture” that makes full use of ICT technology in Japanese agricultural technology, we are promoting labor saving and lightening of agricultural work, countering labor shortages and improving productivity.
ICT is used in a variety of ways, such as acquiring water level information using sensors, automatically driving agricultural machinery, and spraying pesticides using agricultural drones. Additionally, many methods have been adopted that send data collected by devices to smartphones, computers, etc., and analyze how to efficiently manage cultivation.
Regional revitalization field
Telework has become popular due to changes in the way people work, reducing the need to work in the city center and creating an environment where people can work anywhere. This will enable us to recruit a diverse range of human resources from local areas.
Until now, people in rural areas often went to work in urban centers, so population decline was an issue in rural areas. However, if ICT becomes more widely used in the future, it is possible that the population decline in rural areas will be suppressed and that rural areas will be revitalized in a wide range of fields, including medical care, nursing care, education, and child-rearing.
summary
In this article, we have explained an overview of ICT, why the need for it is increasing, the benefits of using it, and how companies can effectively utilize ICT.
ICT is a technology that enables communication using information and communication devices such as the Internet, applications, and SNS, and has become an indispensable technology in today’s connected world. We are already using the technology on a daily basis, and we expect to see even more development in the future. Please deepen your understanding and use it as an opportunity to improve the convenience of your life and develop your company’s management.