Automation May Have Side-Effects

IT systems generally involve automating as much of the tedious work as possible. For example, a spreadsheet can automatically add up a column of numbers for you instead of you key punching the numbers in a calculator or adding them up by hand. 

The more sophisticated software becomes the more opportunity for increasingly complicated automated systems to be developed. Complex systems generally are able to generate more timely and useful information than less complex ones. However, complexity itself can introduce problems. Each layer of complexity in a system not only increases the development time of the system (to iron out bugs and ensure the system operates), but also increases the likelihood of system crashes. Consideration should be made between a Simpler System versus a Complex System. KISS  (less complex) systems are discussed HERE. 

Another side-effect of automated systems is an erosion of personal skill sets. For example, the introduction of the hand calculator eroded our abilities to compute simple math using pencil and paper. Critics would point out that relying on calculators means that the skill set of manual math computation is lost and weakens our society. Whether this is true or not is debatable, however reliance on automated systems does affect how we do things, for better or worse. When implementing automated systems, we need to be careful of the personal skill sets being affected and determining the extent and effect of the erosion. Consider, for example, the business of the accounting profession. One of the skill sets an accountant must have is creating a financial statement that complies with the presentation and disclosure standards of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Image then an automated system that prepares a financial statement with little or no involvement of the accountant. Imagine also that this firm has accounting students which must acquire the skill set as part of their education process, but are hampered by the automated system. In cases such as these, the business must have policies and procedures in place to mitigate this problem. All businesses face this problem and must examine the side-effects of automation on their business.

Chartered Accountants with an IT designation specialty can advise the small business owner on IT solutions and resolutions to problems. Contact Keith Anderson CA-IT  at (780) 447-5830 if you have further questions,  concerns, or the need for advice.

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