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related
issues. 
Centralised
systems means holding and processing data in a central place, such as a computer centre at 
head office. Data will be collected at 'remote' (ie geographically separate) offices and other locations and 
sent in to the central location. 
Decentralised
systems have the data/information processing carried out at several different locations, 
away from the 'centre' or 'head office'. 
9.2 Effects of technological advances on the role of the accountant and on 
organisations 
Some 
effects of technological advances on the role of the accountant 
and on
 organisations
include: 

Routine processing (bigger volumes, greater speed, greater accuracy) 

Digital information and record keeping 

New skills required and new ways of working 

Reliance on IT 

New methods of communication and of providing customer service 

Interoperability (encourages collaboration across organisation boundaries) and open systems

The view of information as a valuable resource 

The view of information as a commodity which can be bought, sold or exchanged ('information 
market') 
9.2.1 Routine processing 
Information technology enables business to process larger volumes of data, at greater speed and with 
greater accuracy. It allows an accountant to process more transactions in a shorter space of time, freeing 
their time up to work on value-adding services such as providing business advice, rather than 
information processing.
9.2.2 Digital information and recordkeeping 
In most businesses, information storage and transmission is digital rather than paper-based. This means 
that there is greater focus on accountants backing up information on networks as opposed to information 
sitting in filing cabinets However, some people continue to prefer 'hard copies' and print out information 
as required.
The nature and quality of management information has also changed. 

Managers have access to more information – for example from an Executive Support System. 
Information is also likely to be more timely, accurate, reliable and up to date. 

More detailed planning is possible through the use of models (eg spreadsheets). 

Information for control should be more readily available.

Decision-making should improve as a consequence of better quality information. 
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