Are we better at getting the information we need to perform our jobs more efficiently with the high-speed computers in operation today in the workplace and at home? Or is it something else?
I recall when getting information required just a phone call or a couple at times or just going down the hallway to another office to chat with someone about my query. Later faxes became a popular way to acquire information. Then computers came along, and while difficult for the non-technically oriented, added capabilities regarding information theretofore unseen.
Now we have made tremendous strides in computer capabilities and I am wondering is this new capacity adding to our ability to extract information efficiently? The key word here is efficiently.
Are we spending significant time going through security runs while the computer turns on, memorizing several pass words for different access, sorting through so much information as to actually confuse, dealing with systems break-downs that slow our ability to do the work, etc.?
In the end I know computers have added to productivity in the aircraft maintenance workplace. I realize it has furthered the sharing of information among contemporaries. But at what costs? More of you are working longer by transferring the information gathering process to after hours or the weekend. Others are studying company provided training at home on the computer.
What happened to the phone call? I believe too much emailing is being done when just a phone call would suffice to acquire the needed information.
IT has become a dominant part of every business, especially our highly volatile technologies. What do you think? Can the process be improved? Are there ways to be more efficient with the computers or without them?