Emerging

Technologies for
Business Processes

This unit consists of various emerging technological tools

intended for business organization processes. It contains an
overview of each technological tool with discussions and
examples.

UNIT OUTLINE
3.1 Office Application Tools
3.2 Computing Technologies
3.3. Cloud Computing
3.4 Mobile Computing
3.5 Green Computing
3.6 Grid Computing
3.7 Internet of Things (loT)
3.8 Artificial Intelligence
3.9 Machine Learning
3.10 Business Intelligence

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this unit, the student should be able to:
1. understand and compare the capabilities of various
emerging technologies used by business organizations;
identify the most effective technologies to be deployed
in specific business organizations;
utilize interactive technological tools and digital sources
to address real-world problems;
employ advanced multimedia software to create
business presentations for effective business
communication; and

implement a deployment model that will solve the

problem of specific business organizations.

3.1 OFFICE APPLICATION TOOLS

Office application tools are among the most commonly used
application tools in a business organization. Word processing, for
example, is considered the most widely used technology. Other
highly sophisticated tools are e-mail and voice technologies.
Business organizations that use these tools generally spend less
and are more versatile. Hence, these tools are utilized by both
small and large organizations and offices.
Office application tools are only some of the various
applications that help increase a company’s productivity.
Microsoft Office is a family of powerful office applications
that support various business processes.

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 3

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

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FIGURE 3.1 Office 365 by Microsoft Corporation

Office 365 offers major features that were previously not

available in the Microsoft Office product line. With the invention
of Office 365, business processes have become easier and faster.

Microsoft Word
\

It is a word processing program that

is designed for both Windows and Mac
Operating systems. It allows users to
perform many tasks. Listed below are the
basic functions of Microsoft Word: FIGURE 3.2
Microsoft Word icon
a. File (Home, New, Open, Info,
Save, History, Print, Share, Export, and Close)
b. Home (Clipboard: Paste, Cut, Copy, and Format Painter;
Font; Paragraph: Bullets, Numbering, Multilevel List,
Align Left, Center, Align Right, Justify, Decrease Indent,
Increase Indent, Sort, Show/Hide Paragraph, Line and

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

Paragraph Spacing, Shading, and Border; Styles; and

Editing: Find, Replace, Select, and Editing)
Insert (Pages: Cover Page, Blank Page, and Page Break;
Tables: Add a Table; Illustrations: Pictures, Online
Pictures, Shapes, SmartArt, Chart, and Screenshot:
Add-ins: Get Add-ins, My Add-ins, and Wikipedia;
Media: Online Video; Links: Link, Bookmark, and Cross-
reference; Comments; Header & Footer: Header, Footer,
and Page Number; Text: Text Box, Quick Parts, WordArt,
Drop Cap, Signature Line, Date & Time, and Object;
and Symbols)
. Design (Document Formatting: Themes, Colors, Fonts,
Paragraph Spacing, Effects, and Set as Default; and
Page Background: Watermark, Page Color, and Page
Borders)
. Layout (Page Setup: Margins, Orientation, Size,
Columns, Breaks, Line Numbers, and Hyphenation;
Paragraph: Indent and Spacing; and Arrange: Position,
Wrap Text, Bring Forward, Send Backward, Selection
Pane, Align, Group, and Rotate)
. References (Table of Contents: Table of Contents, Add
Text, and Update Table; Footnotes: Insert Footnote,
Insert Endnote, and Next Footnote; Research: Smart
Lookup; Citation & Bibliography: Insert Citation,
Manage Sources, Style, and Bibliography; Captions: .
Insert Caption, Insert Table of Figures, Update Table,
and Cross-reference; Index: Mark Entry, Insert Index,
and Update Index; and Table of Authorities: Mark
Citation, Insert Table of Authorities, and Update Table)
Mailing (Create: Envelopes and Labels; Smart Mail
Merge: Smart Mail Merge, Select Recipients, and Edit
Recipient List; Write & Insert Fields; Preview Results;
and Finish)

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 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

h. Review (Proofing: Spelling & Grammar, Thesaurus,

and Word Count; Accessibility: Check Accessibility;
Language: Translate and Language; Comments:
New Comment, Delete, Previous, Next, and Show
Comments; Tracking: Track Changes, Display for Review,
Show Markup, and Reviewing Pane; Changes: Accept,
Reject, Previous, and Next; Compare; Protect: Block
Authors and Restrict Editing; and Ink: Hide Ink)
View (Views: Read Mode,
Print Layout, Web Layout,
Outline, and Draft; Page Movement: Vertical and Side
to Side; Show: Ruler, Gridlines, and Navigation Pane;
Zoom: Zoom, One Page, Multiple Pages, and Page
Width; Window: New Window, Arrange All, Split, and
Switch Windows; Macros; and SharePoint: Properties)

j. Help (Contact Support, Feedback, Show Training)

The above-mentioned functions can be viewed upon opening
the Microsoft Word program.

Microsoft Excel
It is a spreadsheet program that 4
includes features such as calculation,
macroprogramming, and graphic tools.
Most of the functions found in Microsoft
Word are also available in Microsoft Excel FIGURE 3.3
Microsoft Excel icon
with additional functions such as:

a. Formulas (Insert Function, Autosum, Recently Used,

Financial, Logical, Text, Date & Time, Lookup &
Reference, Math & Trig, and so on)
Data (Get External Data, Get & Transform, Connections,
Sort & Filter, Data Tools, Forecast, and Outline)

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 ) APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

Microsoft PowerPoint

It is a presentation program available in

both Windows and Mac operating systems.
This program is widely used by employees,
staff, and the top management in business
organizations for business presentations. FIGURE 3.4 Microsoft
The following are basic functions of PowerPoint icon
Microsoft PowerPoint:
a. Home (Clipboard: Paste, Cut, Copy, and Format Painter;
Slides: New Slide, Layout, Reset, and Section; Font;
Paragraph; Drawing: Quick Styles, Shape Fill, Shape
Outline, and Shape Effects; and Editing: Find, Replace,
and Select)
b. Insert (Slides: New Slide; Tables: Table; Images:
Pictures, Online Pictures, Screenshot, and Photo Album;
lIlustrations: Shapes, SmartArt, and Chart; Add-ins: Get
Add-ins and My Add-ins; Links; Comments; Text: Text
box, Header & Footer, WordArt, Date & Time, Slide
Number, and Object; Symbols: Equation and Symbol;
and Media: Video, Audio, and Screen Recording)
c. Design (Themes; Variants; and Customize: Slide Size
and Format Background)
d. Transition (Preview; Transition to this Slide; and Timing)
e. Animations (Preview, Animation, Advanced Animation,
and Timing)
{. Slide Show (Start Slide Show: From Beginning, From
Current Slide, Present Online, and Custom Slide Show;
Set Up: Set Up Slide Show, Hide Slide, Rehearse
Timings, Record Slide Show, Play Narrations, Use
Timings, and Show Media Controls; and Monitors:
Monitor and Use Present View)
g. Review (Proofing: Spelling and Thesaurus; Accessibility:
Check Accessibility; Insights; Language: Translate

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 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

and Language; Comments: New Comment, Delete,

Previous, Next, and Show Comments; Compare:
Compare, Accept, Reject, Previous, Next, Reviewing
Pane, and End Review; and Ink: Hide Ink)

h. View (Presentation Views: Normal, Outline View, Slide

Sorter, Notes Page, and Reading View; Master Views:
Slide Master, Handout Master, and Notes Master; Show:
Ruler, Gridlines, Guides, and Notes; Zoom: Zoom and
Fit to Window; Color/Grayscale: Color, Grayscale, and
Black and White; Window: New Window, Arrange All,
Cascade, Move Split, and Switch Windows; and Macros)

i. Help (Help, Contact Support, Feedback, and Show

Training)

Microsoft OneNote

It is a free-form information gathering

program that allows a user to collaborate
with other OneNote users. The functions
of this computer program include creating
notes in both typewritten and handwritten
forms, clipping, and adding audio
commentaries. FIGURE 3.5 Microsoft
OneNote icon

Microsoft Outlook

Many business organizations

nowadays use Microsoft Outlook as their
default webmail service. This computer
program is included in a Microsoft Office
suite package. It allows users to share
FIGURE 3.6 Microsoft
information in the form of folders, forms, Outlook icon
and so on.

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

Microsoft Publisher

This computer program is specifically designed for entry-level

desktop publishing. It focuses on page layout rather than text
composition. It is widely used for designing banners, invitations,
advertisements, award certificates, brochures, business cards,
business forms, calendars, catalogs, emails, envelopes, flyers,
letterheads, newsletters, and resumes.

Microsoft Access

This software is used to create a database whose main

purpose is to organize, store, maintain, and manage data and
information for reporting and analysis. It helps store, analyze, and
manage large amounts of information effectively. Many business
organizations use Access because it is free of charge and can
effectively manage information within the organization. The
benefits of Microsoft Access and other databases are as follows:
a. Reduce redundancy and inconsistencies. Maintaining
one database results in less duplication of data and
inconsistent values. For example, the values for
database fields such as student name, student ID,
contact number, and degree can only be entered into
the database once. If duplication occurs, a user will then
be alerted immediately by the system.
b, Increase productivity, It is easier for a user to change
or edit values in a database. If he/she changes a single
record in a database, other parts of the database will
automatically be changed.
c. Secure databases. A database provides a central
location where users are allowed to store, manage,
secure, and control data. This application protects
database files through encryption and passwords. It is
 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

easier for a user to find, delete, view, and add records

using a database.
d. Make better decisions. Producing and analyzing data
from a database through reports are easier when done
in Microsoft Access. Based on the data and reports
provided by this application, users can make decisions
as quickly as possible. This application also includes
aggregation and query filtering.

Office Mobile
Mobile technologies are popular in today’s generation. A
few years ago, Microsoft Office can only be accessed using
personal computers. With the advent of technologies, it can
now be accessed using mobile phones through a software called
an application. Various operating systems control the overall
operation of the mobile app such as Android and iOS.

COMPUTING TECHNOLOGIES
Computing is defined as the process of utilizing computer
technology to complete a certain task (Technopedia, n.d.).
Computer technologies involve computer hardware, computer
software, data, and procedures that would perform certain tasks
or functions.
Computer technology is associated with the activities of
designing, constructing, and programming computers (Dictionary.
net, n.d.). It is directly correlated with IT and encompasses
different software programs and devices.

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

Here are some examples of current computer technologies:

1. Voice and Video Technology
In an automated office, audio and video technology
is popularly used in conducting teleconferencing,
computerized teleconferencing, and videoconferencing.
a. Teleconferencing
Teleconferencing is used by companies
to conduct meetings with multiple people
from different geographical locations. With
the help of digital technology, participants
can exchange ideas, have fruitful discussions,
and communicate freely with each other using
a computer system. The system allows two-
way voice and text messaging, even video
interaction with people over wide distances in
real time.
For example, in XYZ Company, which uses
teleconferencing to conduct meetings with
their executives who are assigned in different
regions of the country, participants could use
either digital plotters or facsimile transmitter
to interactively discuss with one another.
Teleconferencing offers benefits to
business organizations such as the following:
e Reduce cost of travel and
accommodation expenses
e Save time
e Conserve energy
e Avoid travel risks

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EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

b. Computerized Teleconferencing
Computerized teleconferencing can also
be referred to as computer teleconferencing.
In this type of teleconferencing, the system
can be used by people from various
geographical areas. Each participant
may access the computer terminal that is
connected to a specific conference network.
Conference discussions and dialogues
may be stored in a database. During these
conferences, participants do not necessarily
have to be online using their personal
computers. A conference participant can use
and view the computer terminal at his/her
convenience such that he/she can respond
to questions, follow up on messages and
conversations, and sign off at any time.

How does it work?

The system involved here has a huge

database that contains large amounts of
text messages. These text messages can be
in the form of a letter or conference entry
entered by any member of the conference.
In a conference, members are free to write
their own messages that will be available in
the system later on. Members can also view
and read messages anytime. The main role
of the computer is to maintain a permanent
history of messages and discussions that
transpired during the conference. When the
computer terminal is switched on, the system
will automatically display those entries that

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HT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

are unseen or unread. The members of the

conference can actually write their response
or messages directly to the system which will
be stored in the database later on.
Developed countries have been
increasingly using conference networks.
For example, the New Jersey Institute of
Technology in the United States provides
conference facilities on their network called
Electronic Information Exchange System.
Their subscribers are grouped according to
topics. For example, the topic on technology
must be in one group, health in another, and
so on.

Advantages of computerized
teleconferencing:
e A user can save on time and resources
as he/she can participate in multiple
conferences at a time without traveling
away for face-to-face meetings.
¢ Auser could read, write, or respond to
messages at his/her convenience.
e If a problem occurs, a user can get
comments and suggestions from bigger
groups of people and consolidate their
inputs for decision-making.
c. Videoconferencing
Conferencing that requires people to
participate from various locations and time
zones transmitting audio and video data to
achieve their purpose and objectives is called
videoconferencing.

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EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

Blackboards, audio and video

capture devices, suitable software, cloud
facilities, and others are used to perform
videoconferencing. These tools allow people
to meet electronically at a common time and
communicate over long distances. Facial
expressions and gestures can be captured
in videoconferencing, but money, time, and
energy can be saved as people involved in
this type of conference do not need to travel
to attend a meeting.
Many business organizations at
present opt to spend their resources on
videoconferencing rather than send their
employees outside the company and spend
money for travel expenses and allowance.

FIGURE 3.7 Videoconferencing

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN GUSINESS

3.3 CLOUD COMPUTING

The cloud refers to the Internet. When something is operated
in the cloud, it refers to a user’s own methods or ways of storing or
accessing data using an Internet connection.
In business perspective, cloud computing allows a business
organization's data and information to be stored and accessed
virtually. It provides an effective way of managing resources
online. With cloud computing, businesses have the global means
of accessing their information anytime at any given place.

eS dos Geajeuicils
7

FIGURE 3.8 The basics of cloud computing

Cloud Computing and the Internet

Many years ago, standalone computers allowed people to
save data exclusively within their own computer terminal. This
method means that people could access their data and programs
only from those computer terminals.
When the Internet was introduced, people were able to share
data within a network. The Internet changed the way people
interact within a society and conduct modern businesses.
 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

With the help of the Internet, cloud computing was

introduced. In contrast to standalone computers, cloud computing
allows users to store and access data, programs (applications),
databases, emails, and file services in the cloud. Therefore, they
can store and access data or programs outside their computing
environment, including their personal computers or servers.
Cloud computing essentially refers to the use of technology
that uses the Internet and remote servers to maintain data and
applications. It allows users, customers, clients, and businesses
to use applications available in the cloud without installation, and
access personal files from any computer terminal. This technology
is more effective and efficient in terms of centralizing storage,
memory, processing, and bandwidth.

The concept of cloud computing is explained as follows:

| VERSUS BUY

The concept of In the past,

cloud computing can businesses used to
be explained using the buy IT requirements to
idea of renting rather satisfy the needs of their
than buying. Users rent customers.
capacity, either server
space or access to a
specific software, through
the help of a cloud
service provider and
connections through the
Internet.
Users pay depending
on the resources they use.

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

Database

FIGURE 3.9 A basic diagram of computing

Figure 3.9 illustrates the concept of cloud computing. Cloud

computing can also refer to the shared computing resources that
are accessed virtually as a service through an application program
interface (API). For example, in Figure 3.9, a laptop, phones,
tablets, desktop, servers, and databases are all connected to the
cloud, which means that these resources can be accessed virtually
using the Internet.
In cloud computing, business resources may reside inside
and outside the organization in various locations such as a local
hardware, enterprise datacenter, or remote service providers.
 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

Service Model of Cloud Computing

FIGURE 3.10 Cloud computing service model

The following cloud computing service models can be used

_ by business organizations:
1. Software as a Service (SaaS)

It refers to the ability to use applications running

on the cloud infrastructure made available by a service
provider. These applications can be accessed from
different client devices through a client interface
(e.g., web browser and web-based email).
 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

FIGURE 3.11 Software as a Service (SaaS) concept

Figures 3.11a and 3.11b show the concept of SaaS

that allows users to access any type of application
through the Internet.

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 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

Types of SaaS
a. Business Utility SaaS
These are applications that are used by
business organizations, individuals, or groups of
individuals to manage and collect data, streamline
_ collaborative processes, and provide organized
analysis.
Examples:
e Customer Relationship Management
(CRM)
e Human Resources and Accounting
b. Social Networking SaaS
These are applications that are used by
business organizations, individuals, or groups of
individuals for the purpose of networking and
sharing of information, videos, photos, graphics,
and others.
Examples:
e Facebook
e Twitter

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

It refers to the ability to deploy applications to

the cloud infrastructure. This deployment could be
customer-related and involve acquired applications
that are designed through programming language or
software tools that are supported by the provider.

Types of PaaS
PaaS solutions are not designed and created equal.
Thus, businesses are still urged to select the appropriate
PaaS that suits their needs.

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

oe i
Platformiasalservice’
| a as]

FIGURE 3.12 Concept of Platform as a Service (PaaS) using a laptop server

Figure 3.12 demonstrates the concept of PaaS using

the cloud.
a. Social Application Platform
This refers to a platform that provides
third parties with full access and gives the
opportunity to access and write functionalities
that are available for all users
Example: Facebook
b, Business Application Platform
This refers to higher technical
complexities that lead to transaction-
based business applications. This involves
a database, workflow, user interface, and
user integration. It also allows designers,
developers, and system analysts to design
and develop complex business applications
that could be customized later on.
Example: WOLF Frameworks

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 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

c. Computing Platform
This refers to a service that provides
processors, storage, and bandwidth.
Therefore, if a user is a developer, then he/
she can upload a traditional software stack,
thereby allowing him/her to run an application
using his/her own computing infrastructure.
Example: Amazon web services
d. Web Application Platform
This refers to an application that provides
API and other functionalities to developers
to build web applications that leverage their
mapping or calendar.
Example: Google Apps
3 Infrastructure as a Service (laaS)
This refers to the ability to provide processing,
networks, storage, and other primary resources related
to computing. This type of service model offers
customers the ability to deploy and run essential or
arbitrary software. It may include operating systems
and applications. In addition, this service model puts a
business organization's IT operations into the hands and
power of a third party.
Example: High-performance computing

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

Data center System engineers

infrastructure

FIGURE 8.13 Concept of laaS

Figure 3.13 shows the concept of laaS that includes

a data center infrastructure, equipment, virtualization
and system engineers.

Classifications of the Cloud Deployment Model

Modern business organizations should first
evaluate the significance of each deployment model
and later decide which one is the best model for their
organization.

1. Private Cloud
This type of deployment model refers
to the cloud infrastructure that is used and
operated by only one organization, It could
be managed by a business organization or a
third party.

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 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

2. Community Cloud
This type of deployment model refers to
the cloud infrastructure that is shared by many
business organizations and supports certain
communities that share the same sentiments
and concerns.
Example: policy-and security requirements
3. Public Cloud
This type of deployment model refers to
the cloud infrastructure that is made available
to a large industry group or to the general
public. It is normally owned by a business
organization that sells cloud services.
4, Hybrid Cloud
This type of deployment model refers
to the cloud infrastructure that is combined
with two or more clouds (private, community,
or public) that are bound by standardized or
proprietary technology.

3.4 MOBILE COMPUTING

Mobile computing is a term used to describe various devices
that allow people to access, retrieve, delete, and view data or
information wherever they are in the world. Mobile computing
allows users to transfer data, videos, photos, and audio over a
specific network through a mobile device, It also allows users to
transmit data from one remote location to another. With this new
facility, mobile computing in business is born. Thus, it can be said
that the future of business is in mobile computing and devices.

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

FIGURE 3.14 Employees using mobile devices at the workplace

Mobile computing technology was introduced to simply

redefine and change society's means of communication,
inspire information transformation, and promote technological
developments. The options in mobile computing are endless
and mounting from the use of laptops, netbooks, and tablets to
smart phones, Many people use mobile computing in every step
and aspect of their lives for various reasons and tend to rely on
them a lot, for example, sending emails instantly, transferring
funds to another account, sharing photos online, or preoccupying
themselves with e-books while traveling. At present, many
computers are no longer exclusive to businesses; rather, mobile
computing has become easily accessible to all types of users.
Even people with disabilities have their own computer technology
called assistive technology,
Mobile devices such as smart phones, tablets, or wearable
computers like the Apple watch can be connected to various
types of networks including LAN, wireless local area network,

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 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

or the Internet. Users can also connect devices using a specified

Wi-Fi technology that is within a wireless local area network.
Wi-Fi technology can be found within a business organization's
surrounding areas (e.g., restaurants, lobbies, offices, and
buildings) or nearby places.

Modern Technology Changes the Face of Business

In the modern business environment, for an organization to
gain competitive advantage over its competitors or in the market,
it needs to adopt modern technology strategies that would totally
change its business perspective, daily operations, productivity,
and more. Mobile computing is one of the solutions that an
organization could consider.
According to June 2020 Mobility Report by Ericsson, 5G
subscriptions are forecast to reach 2.8 billion globally by the end
of 2025, accounting for about 30% of total mobile subscriptions.
With these figures, business organizations are slowly adopting
BYOD (bring your own device) policies and implementing
solutions for mobile computing. In addition, many business
organizations embraced the latest facilities as part of their daily
operations. Nevertheless, some of these business organizations
are uncertain about considering and implementing mobile
computing.
According to Statista (2020), 75.7 million people accessed
the Internet through their mobile phones in the Philippines. By
2025, it is estimated that mobile Internet users in the country
would reach almost 90 million. In 2017, an estimated 30.4 million
smart-phone users were recorded in the country and such number
is only expected to rise in the years to come. This simply means
that the Philippines could be moving toward turning to mobile
computing for many purposes. With this, the Philippines’ business
world is integrating mobile technology in business processes and

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

transactions to fully take advantage of its uses. Mobile computing

technology has implications and a huge impact on many aspects
of business. For example, the popular Office 365 suite is an
application that comes with MS CRM Online, which provides full
access to corporate IT assets for mobile devices.

Benefits of Mobile Computing in Business

Mobile computing has tremendously changed business
processes and the workplace, thus bringing many advantages
such as the following:
1. Increase in productivity
One of the clearest advantages of using mobile
technology in business is increasing productivity
such that employees are no longer tied to their
office computer terminals and desks. A new world
of productivity and opportunities is opened to let
workers or employees access their files and data
through networks anywhere with the help of mobile
technology and Internet access. In 2014, mobile
computing tremendously increased in popularity when
new products were launched, such as Google Glass and
Samsung Galaxy Gear.
In addition, mobile computing also allows
employees to work wherever they feel comfortable,
therefore, engagement and productivity has increased.
2. Improvement in flexibility
The use of mobile devices or any portable device
allows employees to continue their assigned tasks
regardless of their location, upon the approval of
the business organization involved. All they need is a
network to be connected. Many modern businesses

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 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

today allow their employees to work outside their

offices, giving them the flexibility they need.

3. Better cost control

Through mobile computing, people who

work remotely can reduce and save on a business
organization's operating cost. With such arrangement,
the company need not spend too much on setting up
workstations or additional IT equipment needed for the
operation. As for the employees, they can save money
that they would have used for traveling expenses, as
well as save on time and effort.

4. Better communication

Mobile computing (mobile technology and mobile

devices) has certainly improved communication among
individuals, groups of people, and employees of a
business organization. It is easier for people now to
communicate with one another and share files, data,
information, video, and photos whether for personal or
business use.

Mobile Computing Security

Mobile computing has also designed a mechanism for its
security. Increased mobile computing security means businesses
can provide employees with mobile devices or technology and
be confident that business network, data, information, and even
devices are equally protected.
Before a business organization implements mobile computing,
it would be beneficial to consult with IT professionals to ensure
that all factors have been considered in the implementation
of security key measures. Doing so also ensures that hackers
or attacks on mobile technology are avoided. Many businesses

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

FIGURE 3.15 Mobile computing security

implement their own BYOD policy that allows employees to work

using their preferred mobile technologies.

Risks of Mobile Computing

1. Connectivity Issues
Weak, unsecured, and unreliable connectivity is
detrimental to the work productivity of employees who rely
on network connections to perform their tasks.
2. Security Issues and Concerns
Risk factors of mobile devices, including hacking,
network problems, fraud, computer viruses, worms,
phishing, malware, theft, wireless intruders, wireless sniffers,
and dangerous spam emails (could be in content or in
address) will be considered risks if and only if security is
weak and insufficient.
 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

Advantages of Mobile Computing

1. Connectivity. Users can stay connected to all types of
sources anytime and anywhere.
2. Personalization. Users can also tailor their mobile
computing according to their specific needs.
3. Social Engagement. Users can also interact with various
types of users in social media or other platforms via the
Internet.
4. Marketing. Users can have their own marketing strategy
using social media.

GREEN COMPUTING

FIGURE 3.16° Green computing in business

Business organizations focus on not only social responsibility

but also their greater responsibility to the environment.
An approach that can be applied by business organizations to
their computer and communication systems is to reduce, reuse,
and recycle to save the environment. This is referred to as green
computing.
 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

Green computing is popularly known as Green IT. It ig

considered the environmentally responsible method used
by business organizations to reduce, reuse, recycle, as well
as dispose of technological resources. It is the study of
designing, engineering, manufacturing, using, and disposing of
computing devices in a way that reduces environmental impact
(Technopedia, 2017). Because almost everyone uses a computing
device nowadays, it can be said that everyone is accountable for
the environmental repercussions of the use of such devices.
Green computing is not only for giant businesses but also
for an individual’s personal use. Green IT can be practiced at
home, for example, in the way we deal with unused modems,
personal gadgets, and broken computers without causing harm
to the planet. Waste reduction is easier to implement in business
organizations as compared to an individual, a group of individuals,
families, or a society because they are more structured and
monitored.
Green computing may include the following:
* Central processing units (CPUs)
¢ Servers
¢ Peripheral devices (e.g., monitors)

Green computing aims to achieve economic practicability and

improve the ways computing devices and technologies are used
whether for business or personal purposes.
Green IT practices include:
* Environmentally sustainable production practices
° Energy-efficient computing devices or computers
¢ Improving disposal procedures
e Improving recycling procedures

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 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

One of the good practices in green computing was launched

in 1992 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, also
known as EPA, introduced the Energy Star program. This program
aims to reduce the cost spent by business organizations. EPA
suggests that businesses should look for devices or electronics
that have the EPA Energy Star logo when purchasing a new
product or device. The Energy Star logo is an indication that
the product is a cost-saving product. EPA also expressed that
companies could save plenty of money annually for each PC if
they upgrade specifically when users put them into sleep mode or
if a PC's power management features are configured properly.

Stages of Green Computing

The following stages show how green computing can be
applied during the life cycle of computing devices.
1. Design
The core of green designing is the engineering of
energy-efficient computers and digital devices that are
environmentally friendly. This stage considers not only
the utility of the devices but also their longevity and.
future disposal. It also looks into creating products that
could be recycled or recreated into new products after
their life cycle.
2. Manufacture

In green manufacturing, waste materials during the

production stage of computers and other systems are
minimized to mitigate the harmful environmental effects
of manufacturing activities.

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

3. Use
Green use refers to the eco-friendly and cost-
efficient utilization of computers or other peripheral
devices. At this stage, the approaches or means that
could reduce the energy consumption of devices are
implemented to minimize not only the power bill of
individuals or organizations but also their ecological
footprint.
4. Disposal
Green disposal simply equates to the reuse, recycle,
or appropriate discarding of used computing davides Or
unwanted electronic equipment.

Green Computing Approaches that Can Benefit Businesses

1. Virtualization
Many IT experts believe that for every single penny
invested in business servers, another penny is needed to
keep them running and cooled. Virtualization is the key to
reducing operating costs. When server systems migrate to
virtual environments, business organizations can significantly
reduce their power and operating costs, including the
cost for putting up data centers, because several physical
systems would be replaced by a single powerful system of
virtual machines. As such, fewer machines would require
power for running and cooling.
2. Use of Multifunction Devices
Many business organizations nowadays allow their
employees to share multifunction devices. For example,
arranging multifunction devices connected to a single
network allocated for twenty (20) users within a specific
office helps a business organization save on electricity costs,
paper, cartridges or ink, and other resources,

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 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

3. Use of Cloud Applications

Business organizations are encouraged to use energy-
efficient notebooks or iPads instead of traditional desktop
computers to save electricity for their operations. In
addition, businesses should also consider using a central
cloud server that allows users to run various devices, be
flexible for multiple purposes, and be capable of storing
information.
4. Disposal and Replacement of Old Devices or Equipment
Business organizations should also follow the rules
set forth by the government in terms of the disposal of
e-waste and consult with IT professionals who could guide
the proper replacement of old devices and procurement of
new computing equipment most suitable for their needs.
Businesses should also consider proper arrangements with
concerned organizations or groups in dealing with waste
disposal.
5. Introduction to Telecommuting
Green computing encourages business organizations
to let their employees work at home to increase flexibility
and productivity. Setting up virtual private networks linked
to business collaboration tools are among the easiest ways
to implement green computing.

While green computing can be implemented using various

methods and technologies, businesses must focus on their own
green ideas and come up with programs to raise environmental
awareness among employees and within the company. Every
business organization that implements green IT must have
a proactive plan in place, whether the main objective of the
business is to save the environment or to improve its business
functions.

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3.6 GRID COMPUTING

Grid computing has emerged as the next useful stage in
distributed computing. It offers a high degree of resource sharing
and proper collaboration on a scale that would exceed even the
power of the World Wide Web (WWW) and the currently available
distributed computing. It will tremendously change the way data
is accessed, stored, used, and produced. The main objective of
grid computing, particularly a computational grid, is to make
all computing resources available all day every day. Many large
corporations currently use grid computing to improve their
services and operations.
The commercial use of grid computing demonstrates
improved efficiency and reduced business costs that could be
used as a channel for economic and business growth. Its use also
benefits large industries across multiple sectors.

Importance of Grid Computing

Grid computing is emerging because modern businesses
have viable technologies and IT resources that can be used and
implemented to gain more profit and productivity. It is important
that business developers, designers, and administrators fully
understand the concepts of grid computing and how to make it
work successfully. Simply put, the concept allows the problem to
be brought to the computer (or grid), and a solution is obtained
based on the identified problem. It becomes easy for businesses
to deal with operations with the use of grid computing because
it enables the virtualization of distributed computing resources
such as storage capacity, network bandwidth, and processing.
Grid computing also allows worldwide access to a network of
distributed resources,

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 EMERQING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

Benefits of Grid Computing

Many grid applications have been developed to take
advantage of computational grids. These applications are mostly
designed for commercial.or research organizations. However,
applications are also increasingly being developed for average
consumers who desire to take advantage of grid computing.
Grid computing for marketplaces or business environments
has numerous benefits including the following:
1. It allows detached departments to be part of a virtual
organization that allows the sharing of data and
resources.
2. It improves business productivity and collaboration
within virtual organizations.

3. It supports the creation of robust, flexible, and resilient

operational business infrastructures.

4. \t provides immediate access to enormous computing

and data resources.
5, It leverages existing capital expenditures (CAPEX) and
operational expenditures (OPEX), which would help
ensure the optimal utilization and costs of computing
resources and capabilities.
6. It keeps businesses from incurring expensive operating
costs or excess costs.

Grid Computing in Major Business Areas

Organizations have identified the major business areas where
grid computing could be implemented, such as:
a. Higher education — for future research
b. Financial services — for financial models and accurate
decisions

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

Life sclences — for biological and chemical information

d. Government services - for collaboration with civil,
military, and other agencies
e. Engineering services — for intensive testing of data for
the automotive and aerospace industries
f. Collaborative games -— for the replacement of single-
server online games into online multiplayer games

3.7 INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT)

loT Can Change the World of Business
The world is rapidly changing. Everyone is always connected
through a device or via the Internet. The recent decade has
witnessed the drastic evolution of smart phones which are now
viewed as a common part of everyday life, for their uses go
beyond communication. People are surrounded by impressive
technologies that are purposely designed to change lives,
business, and reality. These impressive technologies are called
Internet of Things (loT).
loT is a network of physical devices that are connected,
embedded, or equipped with sensors, electronics, and other
transfer mechanisms that enable them to connect, communicate,
and exchange data and resources whether through wired or
wireless networks.

The loT brings huge changes in methods, procedures, and

operations of business. It improves the way businesses collect,
gather, store, exchange, and retrieve data and information.
 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

Medical and Health care Gy - oO) Iransportatlon

system . we Management
infrastructure (Fe) =F) — Home
and Bullding
Management Automation
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SENSORS << \
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Environmental G) DB i) Manufacturing
Monitoring = Management
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EnerayManagement @) Large Scale Development

Internet of Things (loT)

\ Everythings will be connected )

FIGURE 3.17 Concept of the loT in business today

Real-World Examples of the loT of the Future

The aim of the application of the loT is to connect physical
devices through the Internet or wireless technology such as
Bluetooth to enable them to communicate with each other and
perform automated functions according to the information passed
during their interactions. With the growing influence of automated
technology, the loT is expected to bring not only technological
development and efficiency but also a massive impact to the
global economy (APEC, 2015). At present, the loT market is
showing robust growth and is highly competitive, particularly in
the Asia-Pacific Region which has the highest growth because
of the rising influx of technology companies therein and the
increasing investment in the loT for national development.
 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

A. Common loT Applications

The following are applications of the loT currently
making waves in the market:
Smart home devices — These are devices or
appliances installed in modern homes which
can often be remotely controlled by the owner
using a mobile app. These loT-based devices can
also operate together with other home devices.
Common smart home devices in the market today
include appliances such as washing machines,
refrigerators, televisions, air conditioning units,
and lighting devices (Webopedia, n.d.). Smart
home security devices are also gaining more
attention in the market. Some examples of these
devices are indoor and outdoor security cameras,
doorbell cameras, smart door locks, and flood
lights, which could all be connected to and
controlled by a smartphone of the homeowner.

FIGURE 3.18 Smart home devices controlled by a smartphone

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

¢ Wearable technology — These are electronic

devices that can be worn as accessories,
implanted on a user's body, or embedded in
clothing (Kenton, 2019). Among the early devices
that caught on with customers were fitness
devices, followed by wristwatches with screens
and mobile applications, Bluetooth headsets,
smartwatches, virtual and augmented reality
headsets, and other personal devices that receive
data from Wi-Fi networks.

FIGURE 3.19 Smart wearable devices

 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

¢ loT healthcare devices — These are medical

devices that are made more capable through
their connectivity. These devices gather
patient data and receive inputs from medical
practitioners. When working together, these
devices communicate with each other and make
intelligent decisions such as alerting healthcare
providers when a patient has reached a condition
that needs immediate medical attention
(Intellectsoft.net, 2019). Examples of these
devices are smartwatches that monitor heart rate,
control diabetes, and detect seizures; insulin
pens; smart glucose monitors that track blood
sugar levels; and ingestible sensors, which travel
through a patient's gut and send data such as
DH levels and temperature to a wearable device
that sends data to an app, which helps doctors
monitor whether or not the patient has taken his/
her medicine.

FIGURE 3.20 Modern medical consultation facilitated by the loT

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EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

Connected cars - These are vehicles with access

to the Internet or the cloud. These automobiles
allow devices, both inside and outside, to
communicate with each other. These cars may
contain sensors and computers inside, whereas
devices outside the cars may be part of houses,
infrastructures, and other vehicles (iotforall.com,
2019). As these cars can communicate with the
infrastructures of a smart city, they can obtain real-
time information about traffic and road conditions,
accidents, and weather reports. Thus, these cars
help drivers ensure safety, efficiency, and cost
effectivity.
Smart transportation — It relies on data sent
between vehicles and different transportation
infrastructures such as railways, buses, and
airports, which are collected and communicated
via satellite technology in order to provide real-
time information. Among the shared information
are weather and traffic conditions, location of
vehicles, and available parking spaces. Examples
of smart transportation are intelligent transport
systems (ITS), smart parking sensors, and
advanced traffic management systems (ATMS)
(Here Mobility, n.d.). An ITS is used in traffic lights,
car parks, toll booths, roads, and bridges to create
an interconnected transportation system with
communication between vehicles and devices.
It assists in running traffic smoothly and making
sure that public transportation runs according to
schedule, Smart parking sensors are imbedded in
parking spots and can sense when parking bays
are available or not. Through loT and real-time
data collection, data are transferred to an app or

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 IT APPLICATION TOCLS 1B GUSINESS

website that drivers could use to check parking

availability. An ATMS actively manages traffic flow
it changes traffic lights and related signals in rea’
time depending on traffic volume to facilitate
safer and more efficient driving routes.

FIGURE 3.21 Concept of the loT in transportation

loT in Business
w

Through the kind of connectivity that the lol offers,

\oT applications and devices have also found their way into
tne retail industry, transforming and innovating the ways
through which organizations do their business. Among the
influences of the loT in the business industry are radio-
frequency identification (RFID), inventory tracking chips,
smart stores, digital smart kiosks, loT-powered supply
chain, Wi-Fi tracking systems, and mobile apps intended
for tracking financial conditions and manufacturing activities
of an organization, as well as communicating among its
members and customers.

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 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

The following are also some of the ways to leverage the

potential of the loT in the retail industry:
e Equipment maintenance prognostics — With loT
applications, equipment maintenance is easier to
perform because these applications can predict
future failure or detect equipment issues. An loT-
enabled retail equipment is capable of providing
real-time monitoring and can notify users in case
of probable malfunction.
e Shelf and warehouse management —- Smart
shelving is achieved with the use of weight-
and pressure-sensitive shelves integrated with
RFID and barcode scanning for goods. Modern
warehouses use RFID technology or barcode
scanning to allow for next-generation tracking
instead of manually tracking goods. With loT, all
behaviors such as receiving, shelving, picking, and
releasing of goods from the warehouse can be
recorded and the inventory updated in real time.

FIGURE 3,22 Augmented reality and smart logistics used in the modern
tracking of business transactions and delivery

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 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

¢ Warehouse automation and robotics — Robotic

devices integrated with loT technology and self-
organizing pallets do more than just assemble
orders and facilitate organization; they also allow
employees to focus on their tasks of handling
customers. In the future, with the help of the loT,
warehouses could become open spaces that run
based on real-time customer demand.
+

¢ Smart store - In the past, business owners

would run expensive surveys to understand and
determine if stores were responsive to customer
needs and if their customer service is acceptable.
The results derived from these surveys would later
become the starting point for various training
programs for employees and managers to address
issues raised by customers.

FIGURE 3.23 Concept of a future smart store

 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

With the advent of loT, smart stores, where

customers would not have to deal with store staff
directly and could shop on their own freely, have
become a reality. These stores improve customer
shopping experience, manage and monitor
store traffic, meet customer demands accurately,
and improve customer service. The smart store
concept involves the following components:
> Real-time shopping — A smart store
allows customers to view product
details and purchase goods at their
convenience using their mobile phones.
>» Customer feedback — With a smart
store, it is easier to collect feedback
from customers about their shopping
experience right after their purchase
through their mobile devices. In return,
businesses could provide more efficient
and accurate customer service.
* Data analytics - Data analytics is also
instrumental for business in terms of improving
customers’ shopping experience by coming up
with solutions directly concerning consumer
needs. Through loT applications used in smart
shopping, customer shopping behavior can be
analyzed and predicted through data collection
and information interpretation.

loT Can Change the Financial Services Industry

The financial services industry inside and outside the
Philippines are putting efforts in investing more on its loT
solutions.

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 WP APPLICATION TOOLS IN DUSINESS

loT solutions, particularly in financial organizations such as

banks, can simply automate trading, investment opportunities,
and activities; fully automate business transactions; build the
Internet of value; and facilitate M2M trading through various
platforms such as bitcoin, smart sensors, and mobile apps. In
addition, retail banks can also improve their credit support process
and increase target customers by analyzing data from biometrics
and sensors. However, the loT should be supported by the best
security tools to ensure that customer information is secure and
would not be at risk in the future.
The loT in the financial sector transforms businesses into the
modern world of physical and digital environments. It provides
never-ending opportunities to the financial sector to increase
efficiency and productivity. With loT, buyers (customers) become
more loyal and interactive, newly developed services are being
introduced, and possible solutions are created to address people's
problems.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Artificial intelligence, popularly known as Al, has been a great
contribution in the world. Its evolution has tremendously changed
the way people live. It has changed society since the very first Al
invention by Warren McCulloch and Walter Pitts in 1943, which
drew its main foundations from physiology and the functions of
neurons in the brain.
In simple terms, Al is the ability of a certain machine to use
algorithms to interpret, learn, and use data to make decisions. It
also refers to a machine's capability to analyze enormous amounts
of information at a time.
 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

The following are some applications of Al that are reshaping

the world of business:
a. Robotics. Robots are among the common technologies
being used to help or replace human workers to
increase efficiency, productivity, and quality. For
example, robot waiters and waitresses are now being
used in many restaurants in Korea and China to serve
customers. These robots help improve business
processes and productivity. In addition, robots can also
be found in industries that involve product assembly.
In manufacturing, robots are used to handle ordinary,
tedious tasks that human workers used to do such
as welding and sorting of objects for production
or packaging.

FIGURE 3.24 A robot serving in a restaurant

b, Speech recognition. This is another example of

Al wherein customers can use their voice to make
transactions. For example, businesses can use
speech recognition to automate transcription.as fast
 TT APPLICATION TOOLS IN BUSINESS

as possible with high accuracy. With it, businesses

could accurately convert audio and video into text
and automate processes such as complaint analysis,
demographic analysis, repeat-call analysis, and others
later on. Businesses can also perform in-depth date
mining on recorded calls to summarize and analyze
the feedback of customers of a certain organization.
Another example is the voice biometrics used by most
business organizations to easily detect and authenticate
the voice of the caller to prevent fraud. With the use of
speech recognition in a business, the organization can
continually improve its processes.
c. Cybersecurity protection against threats.
Cybersecurity is the most important Al tool for online
transactions. It is used in bank systems among others to
ensure secure transactions online.

39 MACHINE LEARNING
One of the main applications of Al is machine learning.
ns

In computer science, it is the field that focuses on program

development that allows computers to learn automatically
without human assistance and intervention (Expertsystem.com,
n.d.). In contrast to traditional programming, which requires a
manually created program that uses input data run on a computer
to produce an output, machine learning is a fully automated
process. Computing machines in the 1980s and 1990s produce
output based on whatever is written in their programs, which
means that the machines could only perform tasks based on
their specific programs. On the other hand, machine learning
employs algorithms to detect patterns on the input to create a
program. Current machine learning devices are equipped with
the capability to make models for businesses according to their
organizations’ input data and goal. For example, if the goal is to
 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

predict customer behavior, and input data and historical results

are available, a computer algorithm could be used to generate a
predictive model that could address the goal.

3.10 BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

According to The Data Warehouse Institute (2002), business
intelligence (BI) refers to the processes, technologies, and tools
required to convert data into information, information into
knowledge, and knowledge into plans that derive profitable
business actions. It encompasses data warehousing, business
analytics, and knowledge management.

r = >

PREDICTIVE
ENF a aile)

DEC|SION
PNG INTELLIGENCE

REAL-TIME
REPORTING

FIGURE 3.25 Modern BI components

In other words, it allows business organizations to use and

manage data strategically in response to challenges and issues
that would drive profitable business actions.
 IT APPLICATION TOOLS IN DUSINESS

Business
Management

FIGURE 3.26 Business intelligence concept

Figure 3.26 illustrates Bl as the union of business, IT, and

business management. BI integrates powerful technologies and
applications with business and management to acquire internal
and external data needed for business analysis in order to come
up with operational and strategic operations. BI technologies are
also used to support business decisions that might arise in an
organization ranging from operational decisions, such as product
positioning or pricing, to strategic decisions such as the setting of
organizational goals and directions.

BI Applications in an Organization or Enterprise

BI can be applied in numerous business organizations for
various purposes as follows:
1, Analytics. It refers to a program that builds quantitative
processes for organizations or businesses to arrive
at the most favorable decisions and perform business
knowledge discovery.

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EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUSINESS PROCESSES

Enterprise reporting. It refers to a program that builds

infrastructure specifically for strategic reporting to
support the strategic management of a business. It may
involve executive information systems, online analytical
processing (OLAP), and data visualization.
Measurement. It refers to a program that creates
performance metrics and performs benchmarking that
aid business leaders in determining how to progress
toward certain business goals.
Collaboration platform. It refers to a program that
initiates and obtains inputs from various areas (both
from inside and outside the business) to work and
collaborate with each other by data sharing or electronic
data interchange.
Knowledge management. It refers to a program that
makes a business data-driven. It uses strategies and
practices to identify, create, build, distribute, and adopt
true business knowledge.
BI technologies have increased its use across
business organizations in order to come up with
intelligent business decisions. Technologies such as
Google Analytics, IBM Watson Cognitive Computing,
loT and Azure Team Analytics, and AgilOne Advanced
Analytics are used to do remarketing campaigns,
real-time and database coaching, increase customer
engagement, and analyze ccmpany’s big data in the
cloud, and automated marketing campaigns.

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