I greatly admire people who can correctly construct a sentence where words such as: currently and presently, have their precise and yet different meanings. There are words in our everyday language that have a special meaning, which many people overlook. For example, the words use and utilise. You either use the correct tool, or you utilise something else instead. If you could not find the screwdriver, you might utilise a kitchen knife instead.
Interesting, but how is proper language usage related to everyday computing, or technology? When you hear someone express himself with clarity, correctness, and simplicity, you also know that you are around a disciplined, or well-trained, or educated person. This measure is a useful indicator of a clear-thinking individual. The type of talented person to analyse, assess, and even resolve complicated issues.
The mind of a computer programmer or software developer has to be correctly trained, otherwise the task becomes more difficult. When building apps and computer programs, the software developer needs to clearly express, in the computer’s programming language, the way to solve the specific task. Clarity of thought is very useful when talking to people, and is essential when programming a computer.
Likewise, it is amazing to observe the creative ways in which people utilise computing technology. For example, using a word processor as a list manager, or even as an address book. Not necessarily the strengths of a word processor, but hey, the work gets done!
Such utilisation suggests that sound advice was not available during the early stages, or that the finances were not available. Still, it is a good sign for a number of reasons:
1) It shows that some degree of computerisation is taking place to become more productive. Better to have half a loaf than no bread at all.
2) It indicates the robustness of the technology we have available. Otherwise, how could we utilise a tool for another purpose?
3) It provides a launchpad for future conversion, when the right strategic tool is found.
Are you using the right tools to get your work done? Do you have a sound recruitment, induction, and ongoing training process for people using your computer system? Maybe you’ve recently undertaken an audit of your systems to provide some quality assurance?
If not, do not despair. It can be difficult to get it right the first time. Even large organisations and government departments get this wrong!
So go ahead, be creative and push the technology boundary to its limits. Just be clear whether you are using the right tool.
To share your views, you may clearly contact the author at: www.datashore.net or via The VOICE
About the Author
Dr.Lyndell St. Ville is an ICT Consultant, and Chief Technology Officer of Datashore, based in the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia.
His areas of interest include: systems analysis and design, data processing, business intelligence and KPI development.