“Convergence” is a popular term, used in several industries, and usually relating to the blending of two disciplines. In general, the popularity of the term is probably due to the fundamental need for people to gain multidisciplinary knowledge over time. Doing so helps both the company and individual become more competitive. In addition, ‘technology’ tends to be a generic term used to encompass many modern ideas. As business evolves, and naturally leverages technology-based tools, convergence occurs.
Information technology has rapidly become a tool used to increase the effectiveness of nearly all segments of business. We now have enterprise software applications, running on business-specific machines, communicating over business-centric networks that, in many cases, practically run the business.
For many small businesses, introducing an information system is the first time that structured processes are developed. In other words, companies can operate using loose guidelines with situations handled on a case by case basis, but when programmatic operations are introduced, it forces rules and specific processes to be created. As a result, information systems often force a business into really thinking about what they do and how they do it.
I believe that this kind of convergence is great. It allows consumers to have a more consistent experience. A systematic approach to business operations helps to keep the expectations of employees, managers and clients in line. The only warning that comes with a mechanistic approach is to remember that the human element is often an important part of business operations; both internally and externally.
