Where ICT is used in business and manufacturing

Information and communication technology (ICT) is a strategic tool that enhances both business and manufacturing. It relates to the storage, retrieval and transmission of information through various devices and systems. ICT encompasses digital technologies that enable the management of data and telecommunications.

SEACOM business offers a range of ICT services, such as seamless connectivity, Direct Line access, cloud voice services and unified communication software, such as Microsoft Teams and related services. ICT serves an important function in business and manufacturing. These technologies enable organisations to work more efficiently, saving them time and money while improving overall business performance.

ICT supports business communications

Large organisations with multiple officers or branches need to enable their staff to effectively communicate and collaborate. Unified communication software, such as Microsoft 365, are the ideal solution for large enterprises with geographically dispersed teams. This solution enables employees to access documents, internal communications and other essential business data from any device, in any location. It improves employee efficiency because all information is stored and retrieved from one location.

Businesses can lose out on productivity and performance if employees need to constantly switch apps or search for the information they need. It is estimated employees can waste several hours a week in switching apps - a massive drain on productivity. Unified communication solutions are a way to alleviate this issue.

SEACOM Business provides a full suite of Microsoft 365 applications that are intuitive to use and easy to set up on a large scale. These solutions are also compatible with other software. For example, Direct Routing with Microsoft Teams allows businesses to make and receive calls using their chosen third-party telecoms provider. Organisations do not need to migrate from legacy systems in order to take advantage of what Microsoft has to offer.

Cloud-based ICT reduces costs for business

Cloud based ICT solutions, such as Microsoft Azure or AWS, drive down costs and boost business performance. Cloud computing offers a higher availability of data and since these ICT solutions are virtual, businesses do not need to invest in expensive hardware which needs to be stored and maintained on the business premises.

Instead, through these multi-tenanted environments, businesses can reduce their networking and ICT costs. Cloud-based solutions can be easily scaled up or down making enterprises more agile, allowing their ITC requirements to change without incurring massive costs.

ICT supports big data analytics in business

Big data has become a buzzword around the globe. Cloud-based ICT solutions facilitate the processing of large data sets. Big data analytics is informing business decisions and policy making. There are a number of applications for this, including cyber security monitoring.

ICT solutions can be used to detect suspicious patterns and behaviour on corporate networks. By gaining valuable insight into business operations, business leaders can improve internal processes. For example, repeated instances of human error can be detected via data analytics. Business leaders can then design solutions where automation replaces the need for manual intervention.

ICT in manufacturing

Data analytics is also reshaping manufacturing. From the factory floor to retail outlets, ICT enables the flow of information. Supply chain management becomes more transparent and accurate where ICT technologies are involved. Up-to-date information about when products will be leaving the factory and how much is in stock enables those working in the industry to have good insight into the performance of their products.

Smart tools that rely on Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are shaking up the world of manufacturing. ICT technologies are used with sensors and robotics, sending valuable information back to manufacturing managers. Adjustments to the manufacturing process can be made based on these data insights. Being able to communicate with web-enabled devices is the next step in the evolution of ICT solutions.

Using ICT to respond to changing consumer demands

Modern business and manufacturing is characterised by a changing consumer base. Millennials are soon to be the biggest consumer, driving changes in how business is done. This generation expects things to happen faster and customised solutions. Having been raised in the technology age, millennials are pushing enterprises to offer more tailored solutions. Whether it be a customised car, modular home, or pair of sneakers, the upcoming generations are pushing enterprises to innovate. Businesses and manufacturers that respond to these demands gain a competitive advantage.

By employing ICT tools, organisations can track the customer experience from start to finish. There is a stronger connection to the end user through the monitoring of social media channels. Customer feedback can provide valuable insight into what the end user really wants. Targeted marketing is a prime example of how ICT can help enterprises to expand their consumer base and access new markets in other regions.

ICT boosts performance

In both manufacturing and business, ICT boosts performance. It allows for greater transparency into what is happening both within the enterprise and with its external stakeholders.

Enterprises that depend on ICT for their daily operations, require true seamless connectivity. SEACOM Business offers world-class connectivity that is underpinned by our various communication networks. We guarantee 99% uptime through high speed fibre connections that are symmetrical and uncontended.

True seamless connectivity is required for enterprises wishing to maximise their ICT solution. For office workers, this means improved video conferencing capabilities. In manufacturing, this translates to accurate data insights and IoT performance. With minimal downtime or latency, SEACOM Business offers industry leading connectivity to South African businesses and manufacturers. For more information or to get a quote for our ICT solutions, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.

SEACOM is privately owned and operated, making it agile and adaptable to the needs of the customer. This makes us the preferred ICT and internet connectivity partner for African businesses and peripheral service providers. We can guarantee high-speed, low-latency and secure internet connections to corporates and small enterprises.

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