In 175 words or more examine and discuss the important consi…
In 175 words or more examine and discuss the important considerations when deciding to build or buy an information system. Use examples from your own research or experience in your answer. In your discussion, explain in detail why most businesses choose to purchase office automation systems.
Answer
When considering whether to build or buy an information system, several important considerations must be taken into account. These considerations include cost, time, expertise, customization, maintenance, and support.
Cost is a crucial factor in the decision-making process. Building an information system from scratch can be a significant financial investment. The expenses include salaries for experienced developers, hardware and software costs, training, and ongoing maintenance. On the other hand, purchasing an information system comes with a one-time upfront cost or subscription fees, with potential additional costs for customization or integration.
Time is another essential consideration. Developing a custom information system can be a time-consuming process. It involves planning, designing, coding, testing, and deployment, which can take months or even years. In contrast, purchasing a pre-built information system can be implemented relatively quickly, saving time and allowing businesses to focus on other critical activities.
Expertise is a critical aspect when deciding whether to build or buy an information system. Developing a custom system requires a skilled team of developers, database administrators, and system analysts. If a business lacks the required expertise internally, it may result in delays, inefficiencies, or even failure. Purchasing a system, on the other hand, leverages the expertise of the software vendor, ensuring that businesses have access to the necessary technical support.
Customization is often a key consideration for businesses. Building an information system provides the opportunity to tailor it specifically to the organization’s unique needs and processes. However, this customization process can be complex and time-consuming. In contrast, purchasing an off-the-shelf system may offer limited customization options, but it may still meet a majority of the organization’s requirements.
Maintenance and support are critical for the long-term success of an information system. Building a custom system requires ongoing support, bug fixes, and updates. This responsibility falls on the organization or their hired developers. Purchasing a system often includes ongoing support from the vendor, including regular updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance, reducing the burden on the organization’s internal resources.
Most businesses tend to choose to purchase office automation systems rather than building them. One primary reason is the relatively low cost compared to developing a custom system. Office automation systems, such as customer relationship management (CRM) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, are widely available in the market with a range of pricing options, allowing businesses to choose a system that aligns with their budget.
Furthermore, purchasing an office automation system offers businesses the advantage of quicker implementation. These systems are designed to be deployed rapidly without the need for extensive development or customization. This faster implementation allows businesses to start benefiting from the system sooner and improves overall efficiency.
Additionally, office automation systems are built by experienced vendors who have invested substantial resources into research, development, and quality assurance. This expertise ensures that the system is reliable, robust, and scalable, meeting the needs of various organizations across different industries.
In conclusion, when deciding to build or buy an information system, businesses should consider cost, time, expertise, customization, maintenance, and support. While building a custom system offers unique benefits, most businesses choose to purchase office automation systems due to their relatively low cost, quicker implementation, and the expertise and support provided by the software vendors.