Analyzing the Use of ICT in Courier Company Business Operations

This discussion post examines the significant impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the operations of courier companies. It provides an overview of courier services, highlighting key aspects like speed, security, and reliability. The post explores how ICT, including e-commerce integration, has revolutionized courier services, improving efficiency and customer experience. It discusses technologies like big data, robotics, and the Internet of Things, emphasizing their role in enhancing operational efficiency and providing new services such as automated sorting and signature scanning. The discussion concludes that ICT has profoundly empowered consumers and will continue to be crucial for the future of courier services. The post references several academic sources to support its arguments, making it a comprehensive analysis of the role of technology in the modern courier industry. The discussion focuses on the increasing demand for online delivery services and the transformative impact of ICT on the consumer experience.

Running head: USE OF ICT IN BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Use of Information and Communication Technology in Business Operations
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1USE OF ICT IN BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Executive Summary
The aim of this discussion is to provide a brief summary of the recent technological
advancements in the business operations of courier companies. The discussion also
accesses the future impact of the several technologies and other innovations in the
market. The discussion also considers the various issues that may arise for the
protection of the consumers related too delivery services.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction.................................................................................................................3
2. Discussion...................................................................................................................3
2.1 An Overview of Courier Services.........................................................................3
2.2 Information and Communications Technology.....................................................3
2.3 The Growing Impact of ICT on the Courier Services...........................................3
2.4 Use of E-Commerce for Courier Services............................................................4
3. Conclusion..................................................................................................................4
4. References..................................................................................................................6

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1. Introduction
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is becoming one of the major
key factors of the recent developments. The ICT has infiltrated every segment of
business. In the modern systems of business operations, the courier services have
become the key factor of enterprises. These kind of services are distinguishable from
ordinary mail services in terms of the services such as security, speed and committed
delivery times (Schliwa et al., 2015).
2. Discussion
2.1 An Overview of Courier Services
Courier services can provide faster delivery times. There is no such alternative
that could be relied upon in terms of faster delivery. They involve the transportation of
important documents and a chain of other services that have some basic characteristics
such as door to door, reliability and secure delivery. The markets of courier could be
described through express parcels, logistics and freight.
2.2 Information and Communications Technology
The function of ICT is to design, implement and maintain controls over the
business processes. Information Technology has a vital role in the collection,
processing and the storage of data. The data would then be stored, summarized and
reported in the statements of the courier delivery services (Grosso et al., 2014).

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2.3 The Growing Impact of ICT on the Courier Services
With the advent of digitalization and ICT, the role of the courier or the postal
sector has changed massively. Innovation and technology are majorly used in order to
cover the products and devices along with their applications and uses. The most
noticeable innovations in technology that would affect the postal sector are big data,
robotics, drones, the Internet of Things and many others.
The competition in the technical sector and the increasing demand from
customers have forced the postal and parcel operators to use much advanced
technology for several purposes. They should also ensure improvement in the
operational efficiency in order to provide newer services (Kowalkowski, Kindstrom &
Gebauer, 2013).
Automated sorting and centralism of parcel and letter operations are the major
developments in this sector. In the business of parcels, the delivery services have been
improved with improved technologies such as PDAs for the purpose of signature
scanning that have also added security for the consumers.
2.4 Use of E-Commerce for Courier Services
The use of ICT has transformed the society in many ways. Home delivery is the
most preferable option for delivery companies and the consumers who are using the
courier services. The demand for postal services have shown a major rise in the recent
times. The volumes of parcels and letters are increasing as consumers are adopting
much more online delivery services (Gangeshwer, 2013).

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3. Conclusion
Based on the discussion, it can be concluded that the impact of ICT on the
consumers of courier services have been massive. Technology has empowered
consumers and have transformed them to active participants in the market of courier
services. ICT acts as a better driving force for the better services for the customers. In
the near future, technology will become more important for the postal services and thus
would provide positive benefits for the consumers.

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4. References
Gangeshwer, D. K. (2013). E-commerce or Internet Marketing: A business Review from
Indian context. International Journal of u-and e-Service, Science and
Technology, 6(6), 187-194.
Grosso, M. G., Nordås, H. K., Ueno, A., Gonzales, F., Lejárraga, I., Miroudot, S., &
Rouzet, D. (2014). Services Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI): Transport and
Courier Services.
Kowalkowski, C., Kindström, D., & Gebauer, H. (2013). ICT as a catalyst for service
business orientation. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 28(6), 506-513.
Schliwa, G., Armitage, R., Aziz, S., Evans, J., & Rhoades, J. (2015). Sustainable city
logistics—Making cargo cycles viable for urban freight transport. Research in
Transportation Business & Management, 15, 50-57.