The Role and Impact of Business IT Systems at Lotus Cars

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the business IT systems implemented at Lotus Cars, a British automotive company. The report begins by outlining the role of IT systems within various functions of the organization, including data collection and management, communication, customer relationship management (CRM), information security management, marketing, and enterprise resource planning (ERP). It highlights how IT supports these functions and contributes to the achievement of organizational objectives, such as product development, process improvement, and cost efficiency. The report further examines how IT can be utilized in dissimilar functions within the company. Furthermore, the report provides a comprehensive evaluation of how IT systems can be used to support value-added change to improve business operations, including the advantages and disadvantages of IT systems. The report also offers justified recommendations for improving the IT system and practical IT solutions for the organization, as well as an evaluation of the recommended solutions.

Business IT Systems

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
P1 IT systems within functions of Lotus Cars........................................................................1
P2 IT systems in attainment of objectives of Lotus Cars.......................................................4
M1 How IT can be used in dissimilar functions.....................................................................5
D1 Assessment of purpose of IT systems...............................................................................5
P3 Aspects related with IT systems........................................................................................5
M2 Analyse of unique ways IT processes information..........................................................7
D2 Illustrate of distinct aspects of IT systems........................................................................7
P4 Evaluation of how IT system can be used in supporting value added change for improving
operations of business.............................................................................................................7
M3 Evaluation advantage and disadvantage of IT systems....................................................8
D3 Furnish justified recommendations for improvising IT system........................................9
P5 Recommendations for practical IT solutions for organisation..........................................9
M4 Evaluate IT systems support solution............................................................................10
D4 Evaluate recommended solution.....................................................................................10
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................10
References......................................................................................................................................12

Introduction
Information technology has critical role within ways in which operations are being
carried out by organisation. This is essential for firm to utilise new as well as innovative
technologies which will smooth overall performance of firm. There are various functions that are
conducted by them and are dependent on usage of information technology that aids them within
attainment of objectives as well as goals (Davis and Comeau, 2020). It is necessary to make use
of relevant technology as this leads to make sure that on time services are being delivered.
Business information system is referred to as accumulation of set of rules that are being utilised
by IT infrastructure within generating information. Peculiar systems are being developed to
support decisions so that precise outcome can be achieved through making use of relevant
information technology. Along with this, business IT system aids within enhancement of ways in
which operations are being conducted by firm.
This report is based on Lotus Cars Limited is British automotive firm that is being
headquartered in Hethel, United Kingdom from 1948 and was founded by Colin Chapman. This
is a joint venture that deals within automotive industry and they are manufacturers of racing as
well as sports cars that have light weight along with this possess fine handling characteristics.
They render their services worldwide. This report comprises of role of information technology in
different functions of organisation, their contribution and ways in which information is being
handled. Along with this insight is provided into CRM, knowledge management aspects and
many more. Furthermore, it also involves the ways in which value change is being supported
through utilisation of IT.
P1 IT systems within functions of Lotus Cars
The system that is liable for supporting management of administration’s business
information in precise and adequate way is called information technology system. There exists
unique ways as well as tools which aids within effectual performance of business by
enhancement of their organisational activities. Information technology system within Lotus Cars
will aid them within emphasising on their manufacturing processes through which overall
performance along with productivity can be amplified within market place (Freeman and
Urbaczewski, 2020). Effectual IT system will aid within adequately responding to altering or
evolving requirements of business as well as marketplace. Information technology leads to
1

creation of direct influence on ways in which strategies are being made by business for carrying
out relevant business functions. Within Lotus Cars different operations are being conducted by
distinct departments to make sure that they are able to deliver services in relevant manner.
Various functions are being carried out by firm like collection of data, formulation relation with
customers; process enhancement, marketing, communication, enterprise resource planning and
many others are there (Heiat, Heiat and Spicer, 2020). All these functions can be conducted by
management of Lotus Cars by making use of adequate information technology system. The
utilisation IT in different functions of firm has been specified below:
Data collection and management: It is crucial functionality of firm that aids within
gathering of data along with their usage in an adequate manner. Information technology is being
utilised by Lotus Cars for carrying out their functions associated with management. Due to
effectiveness of information system respective firm will record crucial information in an
adequate way that is being utilised by firm for formulation of decision making process. It is
being utilised fir storage, managing along with accessing data in relevant manner. Thereby, leads
to protection of valuable information of the firm from any kind of unauthorised access.
Communication: It is crucial function of firm that is liable for supporting as well as
conveying information and data to all the employees across the office as per the requirements.
This aids within carrying out business tasks in an accurate as well as enhanced way through
which precise decisions can be made on right time. An example can be taken to consider this,
like through usage of internet emails can be sent to all employees or anyone whom they want to
communicate it and also receives them. This acts as a medium for carrying out communication in
a relevant way. This implies that it will lead firm, Lotus Cars to have enhanced functionality
which will smoothen their operations. The other example can be taken like HR can send emails
to probable candidates rather than having pool drive as it waste time and cost is also invested
which can be eliminated by making use of information technology (Hoxmeier and Lenk, 2020).
This will also improvise their operations.
Customer relation management: Information technology systems are relevant for
improvisation of CRM systems within organisation. It is utilised by Lotus Cars for creation and
development of effective relationship with their probable customers like it will provide a
platform for people to ask organisation with their queries like when will peculiar car be launched
by Lotus Cars, its prices and many other things can be directly asked from management of
2

organisation. This will lead to creation of affirmative impact on mindset of people and will also
build loyalty towards them. In addition to this, there needs will also be analysed by ensuring that
they are being addressed and are provided accordingly (Ibrahim, Ali and Besar, 2020). This leads
to brand enhancement and stay sustainable within marketplace for longer time frame.
Information security management: This is crucial function of firm to maintain security
of data. There exists wide range of essential information which has to be kept with some
employees or management of organisation depending on their level of position. This can be
regarded as confidential information that must not be even accessed by employees. IT will aid
them within formulation of strategies like ways in which information can be stored, processed
and kept within the system. This information has to be protected like in context of Lotus Cars it
involves has to be the designs which to be secured adequately as if they are stolen then it can
have negative impact on overall operations of organisation. But through the usage of IT they can
secure file by making use of encryption, DMZ, firewall or in any other manner. This implies that
major assets of Lotus Cars will be secured by effective usage of technology.
Marketing function: Marketing is regarded as essential function of firm that is liable for
interacting as well as promotion of services and products in an adequate manner. Lotus Cars
renders high quality sports car thus it is necessary that people are aware of their offerings so that
they can opt for this. This function will aid firm to have enhanced sales by reaching maximum
number of people. Through usage of IT they can conduct online campaign on social media, have
their own website and grab attention of ample customers through this. Efficacious usage of
technology leads to enhancement in marketing activities of Lotus Cars and will lead them to
have competitive edge within the marketplace.
Enterprise resource planning: The functionality of organisation is associated with
planning by making adequate use of crucial resources of firm in relevant way. This will aid
within efficacious usage of resources for gaining enhanced outputs. It will have precise and
relevant usage of resources in such a way that complexities associated with planning of resources
can be eliminated or minimised (Kerr, Troth and Pickering, 2020). Thus, when resources are
planned in an appropriate manner then performance of firm will be enhanced. It will also lead
Lotus Cars to accomplish their present as well as future needs in enhanced manner through
which accurate decisions can be formulated.
3

P2 IT systems in attainment of objectives of Lotus Cars
Information technology aids within enhancement of performance through which
organisational goals can be attained. This has been identified thatefficacious and efficient usage
of information technology aids within carrying out task sin an enhanced manner through which
capability of organisation will also be amplified. There are unlike operations that are being
conducted by Lotus Cars to ensure that they are able to render services as per desired standards
(Logan, 2020). For an example, operations of HR will be simplified as they can scan probable
and qualified candidates by scanning their profiles by making use of relevant software. In
addition to this, manufacturing department can make use of computer aided designs for
formulation of designs IT systems are designed in such manner that they supports employees to
conduct their tasks through assistance of various growth opportunities that prevails within
market. This will enable Lotus Cars to attain their objectives and goals in a precise manner. The
essential aspects related with ways information technology makes effective contribution in
organisation certain aspects have been specified below in detail: Product development: The speed of functionalities that are being carried out organisation
will be amplified by making use of marketing intelligence along with proprietary data of
organisation as it is renders documents that are essential for delivering their services.
Lotus Cars have to design their vehicles their looks so that they can have eye capturing
looks for their designs. For this, they can make use of software CAD designing. In
addition to these collaborative technologies assists teams within working simultaneously.
This will amplify the time required for production of any particular vehicle. Furthermore,
this will aid within addressing altering needs of their potential customers. Lotus Cars can
effectively utilise technology by taking into consideration feasibility of their designs. Process improvisation: ERP aids management within having reviews for the sales that
have taken place within particular time duration. With reference to Lotus Cars it will aid
them within identification of pattern associated with purchase that is conducted by their
probable customers (Mangalaraj, Jeyaraj and Prater, 2020). An example can be taken into
consideration like people normally go for purchasing vehicles when discounts are given
or at festive time. By regarding these aspects Lotus Cars can formulate strategies like
when they will bring in new service within marketplace so that maximum number of
4

people can be captivated. Legacy systems will be generated by making use of ERP
system for different functional units through which there processes can be enhanced. Cost Efficiency: Software are crucial for organisation when they opt for technology but
each do not imply that they are free of cost and to ensure the security features it is
necessary that paid technologies are being used as free leaves ground for vulnerabilities.
Though cost may be high but the benefits attained by this are amplified will provide
worth for investments (Cataldo and et. al, 2020). Like licensed Microsoft Office can be
taken, CAD, Photoshop and many more are there which will enable Lotus Cars to have
enhanced services and deliver them as per required standards.
These are some crucial aspects which can be attained by firm by making use of IT. This
also makes clear that information technology will have wide contribution for Lotus Cars by
which their overall performance along with profitability can be attained by making sure that
goals are achieved on time.
M1 How IT can be used in dissimilar functions
IT is used in each aspect of organisation like when employees come and leave the office
they punch in the machine to ensure that they are present and have completed their working
hours. Systems are being used within each department to have record of operations carried out by
them, process and retrieve them as per requirements. This further leads to overall improvisation
of their functionalities. It is essential that Lotus Cars make use of IT as it will make easy
operations of all the departments who are delivering their services for formulation of firm’s
offerings.
D1 Assessment of purpose of IT systems
IT has crucial role in organisation as it aids within simplification of various activities
same example can be taken employees punch in and there details are stored in system through
which their activities can be monitored and it will also make easy to compute their attendance
(Davis and Comeau, 2020). Thus, it is evident that Lotus Cars can have precise, enhanced,
accurate and on time services through which quick decisions can be made.
P3 Aspects related with IT systems
Data storage implies process that comprises of making use of internal and external
medium for storing information. Firms make use of distinct recording media through which they
5

can retain information whenever it is required. It can be of any kind blocks, objects or files
which depicts that information will be stored either permanently or temporary. Suppose some
designs are being made but they do not seem feasible then there is no point of storing them
permanently and must be stored in temporary storage (Freeman and Urbaczewski, 2020). The
data storage mediums are specified beneath:
Dynamic storage: It illustrates power which is needed for maintain information. Random
access memory is internal memory that is in built in each system.
Static storage: They are accountable for making sure that data is being maintained even
if power is turned off. These devices which can be used by firm are optical storage, flash storage,
magnetic and cloud storage.
Data management: Lotus Cars can have cloud storage as this will aid them within
rendering enhanced features like security, storage space, platform for developing applications
and even latest software which may otherwise be very expensive. Along with this, it can be
accessed as per requirements any time and by anyone who have access to services. Vendor is
responsible for all these aspects and firm can also scale up or scale down their applications.
Knowledge management: It refers to process which is associated with designing,
transmitting, using and managing data in organisation. It is multidisciplinary approach whose
rationale is attaining objectives of organisation by making use of relevant knowledge. This must
be utilised by Lotus Cars for ensuring that they can attain objectives of organisation within given
time frame by formulation of tactical along with strategic strategies as this will lead to
accomplishment of their requirements. Furthermore, it will enable them within retrieving
knowledge from database.
Communication management: This is chronological planning, execution, observance
along with study of unlike channels by which interaction occurs within or outside the working
premises (Heiat, Heiat and Spicer, 2020). When knowledge will maintained then communication
will be enhanced as their will relevancy within data is being shared or communicated with
employees.
Customer relationship management: By making use of IT, Lotus Cars will be able to
furnish enhanced relationship with customers as they will have wide range channels that will
lead to have enhanced interaction. They involve websites, emails, contact details and even
application that can be used by customers for having adequate benefits. It means that information
6

can be exchanged easily through which transparency will be maintained and security aspects can
also be considered while doing so.
M2 Analyse of unique ways IT processes information
IT can be used for storing essential information of their assets like employees, clients and
other essential documents of firm. This can be in internally or externally in system like pen drive,
hard drives or other mediums of storage (Hoxmeier and Lenk, 2020). It will allow Lotus Cars to
furnish relevant information whenever it is required and can also used while formulating their
strategies like if demand for their any old product increases then by making use of SRS
documents for that peculiar sports car Lotus Cars can check what additional features can be
added to grab huge market shares.
D2 Illustrate of distinct aspects of IT systems
Both internal and external mediums can be used by Lotus Cars to store information. They
can be processed for attaining knowledge from them. Though internal storage is restricted thus it
is better to have external sources. Furthermore, communication has crucial role within
organisation thus, email or any other source can be used for building up relations with potential
customers.
P4 Evaluation of how IT system can be used in supporting value added change for improving
operations of business.
IT system is very useful for supporting value added change in order to improve operations
of Lotus cars organisation. Value added change can be describe as the changes in business that
will assist in reducing cost of organisation as well as minimizing errors of operational task. IT
system is very effective and efficient technology that will support in adding value to changes in
business operation and along with this increase value of respective company (Shaikh and
Karjaluoto, 2015). Value addition is essential for Lotus cars organisation as this will help in
increase the performance of business and providing high quality products to customers. For
respective company, value added can be consider as the enhancement of products and services
of business before offering final products to potential customers. Information technology of
Lotus cars company is very supportive in adding value to business operation as well as achieving
7

set goals of organisation. Information technology system support through storing information
and help in decision making process.
Information collection and evaluation – Information technology is used for storing and
collecting information that can be used for future decision making process. It is important for
Lotus cars organisation to consider effective information technology system in order to record
and collect important information related to organisation. Through this system respective
company will have comprehensive data base system that will include various crucial important
regarding business as well as requirement of customers. Gathering and assembling of
information in correct manner through information technology system will be very useful for
supporting value added changes to business.
Decision making – It is essential for respective company to take correct and effective
decision for growth and development of business (Lohrke and et.al., 2016). Lotus cars
organisation needs to make accurate decision for enhancing business functions as well as
performing organisational task in better manner. Information technology will assist organisation
to analyse and evaluate information for regarding past decision and market requirement. This is
supportive in adding value to changes of operation function as information technology will
provide support to business for taking decision and conducting operational operations in less
cost.
Thus it has been determined that information technology system are crucial for adding
valuable changes of organisation as well as conducting business task in more effective and
efficient manner. Information database will help in identifying the proper information that will
help in creating better products as per preference of customer (Yeh, Lee and Pai, 2015).
Through this system Lotus cars business will be able to take more accurate decision that will lead
to sustainable development of business.
M3 Evaluation advantage and disadvantage of IT systems
Information technology system have various functions and uses which can have both
advantages and disadvantages of business. There are various advantages and disadvantages that
is faced by organisation while considering information technology system in order to value add
changes in operations. Increase is information technology system will lead to easy in effective
and smooth performance of business. The major advantages of IT system for respective company
is that it support in enhancing communication between company and its customers. through this
8

Lotus cars company will be able to determine need and requirement of customer and conduct
business operation according to information collected. Disadvantage of IT system for respective
company is the issues of security and fraud activities. Information technology system will lead to
question the security issues as it is quite easy for hack to conduct fraud activities.
D3 Furnish justified recommendations for improvising IT system
It has been analysed that cloud storage system is one of the most effective information
technology system that is consider by organisation in order to collect and store information.
Cloud storage will help Lotus cars organisation to store large number of data and information
regarding business as well as its customers (Kim, 2015). This is considered as comparative less
expansive to physical storage of data. Cloud storage system is easy to manage and access data
when ever required. This information technology system is completely safe with password that is
supportive in keeping important information secure form hackers.
P5 Recommendations for practical IT solutions for organisation
There are several solution for Lotus cars organisation regarding practical information technology
system in business. This company will be able to increase its business operations as well as
provide high quality products which is as per the need and requirement of customers (Sidorova,
Torres and Al Beayeyz, 2015). It is suggested to the manager of Lotus cars company to consider
these recommendation that will support in gaining better ides for achieving business objectives.
It is recommended to respective company to consider information that is collected through
data base while taking better decision. Information technology is effective and useful system that
will support in collecting information and data from different sources. Information technology
provides support to business in analysing requirement of customers and new trends in market
area. According to the information gather, Lotus cars company can be better decisions as well as
create strong strategies for business.
It is recommended to Lotus cars organisation to consider encryption software as this is
useful system in order to minimize risks and along with this other security issues. It has been
analysed that there are various issues and problems that is associated with consideration of
information technology system. Encryption software will lead to track activities of business that
is performed through network. This will restrict issues related to security and help company in
keeping important information private. With the use of encryption software company will be able
to restrict the usage of information to few employees of organisation. This will lead to provide
9

information to responsible employees of business and take correct use of important data in order
to conduct important task of organisation. Thus these recommendations will assist business in
performing business task in more accurate and appropriate manner for achieving desired goal of
business.
M4 Evaluate IT systems support solution
Productivity and sales of firm can be enhanced as ample number of customers will be
aware about of offerings of firm. Like website will lead them to acknowledge their customers in
an affirmative way. This will enable them to have high brand recognition and awareness
(Ibrahim, Ali and Besar, 2020). Along with this, by posting videos and images for capturing their
customers as by visualising it becomes easy to attract customers. This will also minimise cost
associated with marketing activities. Through usage of IT different operations will be made easy
like finance can make use of transaction processing system that will enable them to carry out
their operations precisely by ensuring that operations conducted are accurate. This shows that
amplified benefits will be attained by firm through its usage.
D4 Evaluate recommended solution
Lotus Cars can make use of cloud computing to have enhanced operations as it provides
them with metered services which means that payments has to be made as per usage of services
and not in context of month or yearly basis. This implies that cost benefits will be yielded by
Lotus Cars. Along with this, security will also be enhanced through which external or internal
threats will be minimised like access will not be provided to all the employees and it will be
based on operations that are being conducted (Kerr, Troth and Pickering, 2020). But
management of organisation also needs to ensure security from their end as cloud services are
being opted by various individuals so threat or risk also prevails within. Thus, information must
be stored in an encrypted form.
Conclusion
From above, it can be concluded that, information technology is an essential aspect that has
to be used by organisation to make sure that they can sustain in market for longer time duration.
It will lead them to improvise overall performance of their operations that are carried out by
them. Thereby, leads to enhanced performance of firm as they will be able to deliver quick
services and as per desired standards. It will also minimise scope of errors within operations that
10