Re: Week10 � Topic #2 - Automate vs. Informate -- Comm 435 at GMU

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Date Posted: 09:49:43 04/02/04 Fri
Author: Mohamed
Subject: Re: Week10 � Topic #2 - Automate vs. Informate
In reply to: Dr. Finn 's message, "Week10 � Topic #2 - Automate vs. Informate" on 20:30:35 03/31/04 Wed

For my example I would like to talk about the 'punch card' or 'timestamp card' machines.

In the old days, there was a machine that was automated to only stamp the time and date whenever a card was placed into its slot. This machine could not distinguish between the employees and had no way of producing a report of who checked in at what time. It had no reporting functionality.

In today's world, the 'punch card' has evolved to an ID card and usually includes the employees photograph. The readers have also evolved and now infomate. When a user swipes their card against the reader, specific information is collected (and this information is usually individualized). Readers generate reports that identify employees as well as they time they checked in/out and the location. This report is often used by managers and departments to monitor employee productivity.

The advantage of this evolution from automating to infomating is also the disadvantage. The advantage is obviously for the companies because now they can monitor all the movements of their employees. They can see how long an emoplyee is taking breaks and lunch (from the time they swipe out to the time they swipe in). They can see who comes in early and stays in late. If something is missing, they can pull up a report on who was in the office at that particular time in that specific location. The disadvantage of this is to the individual employee. There is no more privacy. Big Brother is literally watching your every move. People might feel as though they are being pushed to produce and not have time to unwind. They may also feel threatened and constantly look over their shoulders.

The ironic thing is that most employees swipe their badges and think it is only used for security. I mean, this is why they have a reader on all doors right? Wrong! Companies can use this information for more than just monitoring security and employees need to be aware of that.

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Replies:

Re: Week10 � Topic #2 - Automate vs. Informate -- Jean Downey, 11:06:51 04/04/04 Sun
- Re: Week10 � Topic #2 - Automate vs. Informate -- Jessica Patterson, 14:58:42 04/04/04 Sun
Re: Week10 � Topic #2 - Automate vs. Informate -- James Wigington, 13:29:52 04/04/04 Sun