Salon 1

In the underrated movie, The Karate Kid, Mr. Miyagi (don’t criticize the spelling, it should be in Katakana), told Daniel,

“Karate Yes = OK

Karate No = OK, too

Karate Maybe = squash like a grape.”

The same could be said about the use of computers.  In other words, I constantly see examples of small to large businesses using computers to partially do a particular job, and the end result is typically that the computer does not help them as much as actually hinder them.  They get all the process constraints (e.g., I must fill out the form, I only have the information it is giving me, it won’t let me do that); without any of the benefits (e.g., automation, workflow, database).

There are many great examples from small businesses like Starbucks and Pizzza Hut; to large, complex operations like hospitals.  Hospitals are getting better, but Starbucks and most pizza places are just too fun to watch in action.

In other words, if your computer is not automating some part of your work (e.g., it is merely an expensive typewriter), you are probably not getting any benefit out of it, and it is only hindering your business. 

Computers Yes = OK

Computers No = OK, too

Computers somewhat = bad customer service!