Computer Science -vs- Computerization

Computer Science (CS) is a flag-bearer of 21^st century human enterprise. It is all pervasive and is radically transforming everything from an Abacus to Z-transform (A to Z). For most of us and especially in the typical company’s IT department, the computer science is – i) Modern hardware (Smart phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and printers); ii) Infrastructure (Storage, network, IDC etc) and iii) Applications (MS-Office, Emails, ERP (SAP or equivalent). Two additional aspects – iv) Access Control and v) Security complete the typical staffing and emphasis of most IT departments in any company. In this post, understanding of what Computer Science offers and what Computerization defers (takes away) will be examined. There is urgent need to rethink how Computerization is thought about and implemented in companies to utilize the power of Computer Science.

Petroleum E&P needs Computerization that fosters Computer Science to achieve the performance beyond the marginal

A.                 Computer Science (CS)

Computer Science (CS) is among the world’s most “Open” and “Equal-Opportunity” branch of “Knowledge”. I am learning Python and wish to do Python+R coding to address some innovations I have conceived. Just every one reading this post has same opportunity to learn and be “Creative” in (or with) CS – with or without any formal degrees, recognitions or affiliations. Any number of examples can be cited to show how individual private efforts created new innovation in Computer Science.

Due to its (CS) promiscuity with almost every branch of human intellect and conduct, there is often an overlook to the core tenets of this subject matter. It covers many specialized areas of electronics, logic, mathematics, classification and organization methods. The unique approaches developed in CS created a revolution in human thought and contribution. Computer Science is best characterized by the way computer scientists approach the problem solution. Through their novel approach, the CS developed and delivered results with certain fundamental principles and practices. These are:

1. Abstraction                    : Right from the principle of semi-conductors through the binary arithmetic to the progressive building of complex standards and services like ASCII coding, TCP/IP, Logic Programming, Encapsulation, Objects, Knowledge Representation and Ontologies – are built logically and reversibly on robust abstraction.

2. Generalization             : Principles of data structures, database definitions, Codd’s relational model, Java architecture or Organization of WWW, are powerful examples of multitude generalizations, which do not limit to any single subject or aspect of human endeavor. CS brought forward the possibility that strong principles and inventions are defined by their ability to go across human boundaries. Universal appeal of the products and derivatives of computer (and communication) sciences arrive from the power of generalization

3. Scalability                      : The ability to seamlessly scale from supporting a smartphone with processing capability to form a network of a million computers to address complex problems is easily grasped by most of us. There is another unique aspect of CS scaling. It is about integrating the different foundation principles and building blocks to create a vastly complex new technology – aggregating and enhancing. 

This is more akin to life that uses “simple & robust” building blocks and creates everything from a bacterium to man – billions of them.  

CS is a bit like “God”, one perceives it in proportion to one’s grasp, capability and outlook!

B.                 Computerization

Computerization is the term used in formal organizations to describe the role of the “IT” department. Since the early days in 1970s when more and more companies started using computers for business and work, the IT department came into existence and sustenance. In Wikipedia, Computerize refers to:

è Equipping with a general purpose computer, or computer system

• Inputting data (computing) into computers
• Digitizing information for computers
• Creating computer-generated content

Because the remaining 3 aspects “inputting, digitizing and creating” is done by users from business, the role is dominantly towards “Equipping”. That is exactly typical IT department delivers! Check your IT department home-page for its services to confirm this approach!

Throughout 20^th century, the IT department and its work is typically “Cost”. Very few measures exist in most businesses to measure and quantify the value of IT.  

Collins English dictionary states “Computerization” as – ” the conversion of work or processes to control by computer” – a very important distinction from earlier definition in Wikipedia. Sadly, many IT departments align with this simple tenet ONLY for the ERP based processes. Long-live SAP!

Equipment + Processes (ERP) + Access Control + Security + Cost are the universe of Computerization as practiced. 

The consequences are:

1. Computers have been made a “Commodity” NOT a technology for “Innovation or Growth”
2. Users are required to follow the “Rules” and “conduct” as defined by ERP or the IT policy – no other expectations. This “de-empowers” the users – a big loss of intelligence in most organizations!
3. Competencies of IT department and the wider business users are never guided towards the core strengths and features of Computer Science. Therefore, they remain in the periphery of man-kind’s most impressive technological leap. This “denies” organizations the advantages of CS.

21^st Century needs in Alignment of Computerization principles with Computer Science.

The first step to supporting strong Computer Science use in organizations is to recognize that "we're doing it wrong for the present century’s capability". The first mistake we made was in the organizational model. Centralized, IT-dominated computerization models are not conducive to empowering end users. Technology leaders should replace the existing Service-Customer or Control-Controlled relationship that persists between IT and the business with a cross-functional team that blends CS and business skills."

C.                 Transforming Computerization Fundamentals

Being at the cross-roads of a transforming world, stuck in the past and unclear about the future the approaches available need to allow continuity of present and favorably receive the future. 

1. Create a separate IT department or controlled outsourcing of the “classical IT” elements.
2. Pursue consistent and wide-spread “CS trainings” – supported by HR, compensation and performance metrics.
3. Develop a comprehensive “data management” framework to capture all digital data into formal structured databases. 
4. Nurture an "Ecosystem of Creativity" using CS. Empower all users with tools and techniques to facilitate solution creation.
5. Capture and convert individual innovations into proper engineered solutions and deliver for wider use.

Companies which can “Crowd Source” and “Capture” intelligence and innovation embedded in their workforce will have distinctive advantage when the business models change from “quantity” to “quality” of knowledge.

It is not an issue of cost or funds. It is a matter of conception and perception.