Do Technological Tools Really Improve Efficiency

 There are many books and articles that have been written about technology and making the most of your online time. Contrary to popular belief, you only need to use a tool or technology when your boss or organization requires it.

The latter was discovered by speaking with industry experts, listening to objective commentary about new technology and remaining open to possibilities. Personally, I prefer to let someone younger handle any technology problems I have. 24-year-olds are more familiar with the latest devices than I am.

It's easy to fall for the trap of purchasing a new technology tool far before you are able to use it. Tandy and Apple and other computer manufacturers ran vigorous marketing campaigns in the 1980s to convince you and your friends that a computer was vital to your livelihood. Although they were correct soon enough, they made computers seem like they were crucial to your career many years before they were.

Promises, Promises

IBM's advertisements featured a Charlie Chaplin-esque character sitting at a keyboard and effortlessly typing a few words. The computer takes the hassle out of managing a business. Advertisements showed that a computer could be purchased for as little as $1, plug it in and get it running. You can then use various software to increase your managerial efficiency.

You wouldn't consider doing a job today without your computer. But, I'm sure you can't remember a day where you didn't sit at the keyboard and tapped a few keys to get your business or department "running."

The powers that be created new myths in 1995 through mass-advertising, suggesting that the Internet and getting on-line was the best and only way to go. It's not difficult to see the incredible power of online information and communication services. However, it is important to maintain balance.

Bill Henderson, the leader of the Lead Pencil Club, says, "Driven by our obsession with competition, we've adopted the electronic god with an frenzy." "Soon, blessed by the facts, voice and email, computer hookups, TVS with hundreds upon channels, we won’t have to leave those lonely rooms--not write a check or visit, shop, exercise, or write a check. We will have raced at incredible speeds to reach our final destination--nothing."

Maybe he's a bit emphatic. But take a look at your home and office. Are you a victim of the trap of acquiring information far before you are able to use it? Are there any technological items that you have bought in the past two years but left untouched? Hardware and software, instructions manuals, scanners and additional printers are all available.

Peter Drucker, a noted management sage, observed that new technology must have at least "tenfold the benefit" of the predecessor to be considered a replacement.

Technology Time Traps

Technology has the potential to make you more efficient or slide you further into the swamp of the overwhelmed. Dr. Neil Postman, in his book Technopoly, explains that there are both benefits to and disadvantages to introducing new technology into your daily life. Manufacturers, dealers, and advertisers are skilled at helping you to focus on the positives, especially if you become an expert user of the system. What about the negative aspects of buying new technology and tools?

Take the car phone into consideration: If you have two children, you can call them from your car after school. Car phones can be a wonderful tool. Some models can speak to you, confirming the key you have pressed or which option you selected. Voice commands are available on the newest models. You can use them to call Joe Smith, "Call home," or "Answer the telephone"

Many car phones include built-in data and fax communications, which allow transmissions from your vehicle. Some car phones can be connected to your horn for security purposes. Some allow emergency dialing. Many have an anti-theft alarm. When an intruder attempts to call, some will dial your office or home.

There are many features available on cell phone hardware, including volume control and the ability to engage multiple rings. Many phones have larger display screens that are brightly lit for night use, speed dialing, speed-re-dialing, one-touch dialing, and speed dialing Cisco Panama.

What's the Downside to

You could add undesirable things to your life by having a car-phone in your vehicle.

* Anyone can reach you at any moment

* Disturbance at one of your last sanctuaries

* Change your business cards and brochures to reflect your car's number

* Driving less safe

* Additional expense when you engage in unneeded conversations

* A new annoying habit: To make sure plans don't change, you will make an extra call before you reach destinations.

* Increased insecurity and anxiety

* A second invoice should be reviewed at the end.

* Open your perceptions involuntarily to see other ads about other cell phone systems

* Feeling that your system is not sufficient.

It seems strange that a device designed to increase efficiency and save time can also be used to do the opposite. Here's a compelling explanation of how this happens.

The Revenge Effect

Princeton University Professor Edward Tenner says that "The Revenge Effect" is a curious way for the world to get even with itself, defeating all efforts to improve the system. Tenner believes that technology's inability to solve problems can often be attributed to human interaction. The freeways are intended to speed up travel but lead to sprawling suburbs. This results in an increase in commute times. Computers make it simple to copy and save files. This means that we can copy and print more and fill our offices with paper.

Tenner wonders about the "revenge effect", which will be caused by virtual communities. Will real cities collapse as a result? Five percent of American households had internet access in mid-1995. What happens when the nation is wired more than half of the time?