Computers in the Workplace

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/gray-wooden-computer-cubicles-inside-room-267507/

I currently work for and have experience with this service. The functions of computers within this industry include running programs designed to assist in documenting, tracking, reporting, and administrating claims filed by customers. Warranty companies also use computers to communicate inside and outside the company through email to send surveys, negotiate rates with vendors, and for day-to-day business needs. Computers also enable companies to send and receive payments electronically, to pay a vendor or employee. Organizations also take full advantage of the processing power of computers to run complex algorithms to determine risk when calculating prices, making the process more efficient and accurate. Furthermore, warranty providers also use computers to connect to the internet to attract new customers through advertisements and social media, along with running their one website to provide additional services to customers, such as the status of their claim or to help find them a vendor.

Employees in this environment need to be computer literate because it allows them to do their work efficiently and effectively. Employees working in the automotive warranty industry who are efficient at using a computer are more productive because they can input information needed to process a claim promptly and research data to assist customers with questions about their coverage. Without these skills, an employee would have difficulty understanding how to run programs and document needed information. It also makes it much easier for them to communicate with one another while staying in contact with customers. For example, writing and sending professional emails allows employees to solve complex problems while delivering critical information to those that need it the most. Furthermore, having computer skills when working in this industry makes staying organized much easier, as programs can be used to track tasks or projects, and calendars can be used to set up meetings and reminders.

Considering the historical trends in computing, I feel that in the next ten years, computer hardware will continue to become smaller and more connected, allowing a vehicle to communicate directly with a warranty provider who can gather personal and technical information without having to contact a customer directly. Advances in computer technology will also allow a repair facility to communicate directly with warranty companies without making a phone call. The vehicle and repair facility can upload the needed information, which could speed up the approval process while improving the customer experience. Operating systems will also continue to evolve into suites of applications that can be accessed from any device, allowing companies to provide access points to a centralized computer system to cut down on physical hardware without sacrificing processing power or storage. These advancements could enable employees to work from anywhere and anytime, providing customers with service beyond regular work hours while improving an employee’s work-life balance. Furthermore, networking will also evolve to become even faster and more secure. Warranty companies can monitor and process information faster, reducing or eliminating security holes, breaches, and compromised systems due to spam or other threats.