The application of information technology (IT) is not limited to large-scale e-commerce models or complex website designs. In many cases, IT can simply involve the use of a few computers with the most basic software, yet still provide practical economic benefits for businesses. The application of IT is not confined to commerce and services in high-rise buildings in the city center; it is even utilized in ostrich farming.
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Ostriches at Minh Hung Farm |
About 700 ostriches are raised at the foot of Ba Na Mountain. The challenging task is to manage this fast-running bird species by lineage, as failing to do so could lead to inbreeding and genetic degeneration. However, this difficulty has significantly decreased with the replacement of manual record-keeping with computer management. Two computers, a printer, and standard Excel software have helped the owner and workers at Minh Hung Enterprise’s farm in Da Nang reduce their workload compared to traditional methods.
Mr. Tran Minh Duc, the company’s director, stated: “Previously, we needed six people just for the accounting system. But since applying IT, I only need two people, and errors have decreased. Before, it took a long time to find data about a specific ostrich, and mistakes often occurred. Now, I can instantly check which area it is in, its identification number, where it is located, its parents’ names, and its birth date; just a click on the computer gives me the information.”
From incubating eggs to raising and managing young ostriches until they mature, the use of IT to oversee this entire process is also being considered by the farm owner. With mature ostriches, management becomes even stricter since they often display unusual behaviors. Consequently, cameras have been installed to enhance monitoring efficiency.
Mr. Duc added: “We installed cameras to monitor each area day and night. The management center will observe and communicate via radio with the technicians outside to address issues in specific pens. For instance, if we notice an ostrich that is not eating or showing strange behavior in a pen, the staff at the center will check and inform the technician on-site.”
Initially, Minh Hung Company implemented IT with two desktop computers and basic Excel software. However, as the number of ostriches increased, the company recognized the need for more professional lineage management. An order has been placed, and this flock of ostriches will soon be managed by specialized software developed by a professional software company.
Mr. Harrison Li, Director of Small Business Products at Intel Corporation, analyzed the benefits of applying IT: “For example, if I were a small business, using a single computer and standard software would also be an application of information technology. At this level, one could utilize the computer to manage bookkeeping, financial documents, and accounting spreadsheets. However, if financial conditions allow or when the business grows, it is advisable to expand IT applications to enhance operational efficiency.
For instance, with a professional customer relationship management software, you can identify who your best customers are, who your long-term customers are, and even recognize customers who haven’t purchased from you in a long time. This way, you can easily devise solutions. For your best customers, you may need to offer special treatment, while for those who haven’t purchased recently, you should reach out to explain new products and pricing policies to encourage them to return. Thus, the application of information technology can occur at various levels, depending on the financial capacity and scale of the business. Regardless of the level, businesses can benefit from applying IT.
