Advantages of Computerised Systems Over Non-Computerised

1. Data can be easily edited instead of retyping
2. Non-computerised systems require a larger physical storage space
3. Data can be searched and retrieved quickly
4. Flexibility with presentation style such as tables, forms or reports. It is also easy to change from one style to the next and even change the method of presentation (i.e. multimedia instead of paper)
5. Data can be accessed by several people at the same time (though it can be argued that this can be done with multiple printed copies), however the computerised system gives access to the latest most up to date information where as a paper based system would require another print out to update it.
6. Backup of data is easy making the storage of the data safer (assuming that a reasonable backup system is in place.
7. Access to confidential data is easily restricted (but of course in the old system access could also be restricted by locking confidential material in safes the difference is that access can be monitored by the use of passwords and restricting access to only those who need it. Far better for restricting access)
8. Data can be sorted and searched by a number of criteria which makes it much easier to find information on a specific topic.
9. The data can be easily manipulated and used in modelling and simulations to help make more accurate decisions.

Disadvantages of Computerised Systems Over Non-Computerised

1. The power can go down part way through a data entry and without power the data stored cannot be accessed.
2. The ethics of storing large amounts of private information on individuals is a big issue as information from web forms becomes more prolific. Who should have the right to this information and what rights as an individual do we have (see the section on “Issues related to databases”)