Automation vs Computerization

Automation or automatic control, is the use of various control systems for operating equipment
such as machinery, processes in factories, boilers and heat treating ovens, switching on telephone
networks, steering and stabilization of ships, aircraft and other applications with minimal or reduced
human intervention. Some processes have been completely automated.
The biggest benefit of automation is that it saves labor; however, it is also used to save energy and
materials and to improve quality, accuracy and precision.
The term automation, inspired by the earlier word automatic (coming from automaton), was not
widely used before 1947, when General Motors established an automation department. [1] It was
during this time that industry was rapidly adopting feedback controllers, which were introduced in the
1930s.[2]
Automation has been achieved by various means including mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic,
electrical, electronic devices and computers, usually in combination. Complicated systems, such as
modern factories, airplanes and ships typically use all these combined techniques.

Computerization
to control, perform, process, or store (a system, operation, or information) by means of or in an
electronic computer or computers. 2. to equip with or automate by computers: to computerize a
business. verb (used without object), computerized,computerizing.
Application Software Vs System Software

System software (systems software) is computer software designed to provide services to other
software.[1] Examples of system software include operating systems,computational
science software, game engines, industrial automation, and software as a service applications.[2]
In contrast to system software, software that allows users to do things like create text documents,
play games, listen to music, or web browsers to surf the web are calledapplication software.[3]
The line where the distinction should be drawn is not always clear. Many operating systems bundle
application software. Such software is not considered system software when it can be uninstalled
usually without affecting the functioning of other software. Exceptions could be e.g. web browsers
such as Internet Explorer where Microsoft argued in court that it was system software that could not
be uninstalled. Later examples are Chrome OS and Firefox OS where the browser functions as the
only user interface and the only way to run programs (and other web browser can not be installed in
their place), then they can well be argued to be (part of) the operating system and then system
software.
Another borderline example is cloud based software. This software provides services to a software
client (usually a web browser or a JavaScript application running in the web browser), not to the user
directly, and is therefore systems software. It is also developed using system
programming methodologies and systems programming languages. Yet from the perspective of

functionality there is little difference between a word processing application and word processing
web application.

An application program (app or application for short) is a computer program designed to perform
a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities for the benefit of the user. Examples of an
application include a word processor, a spreadsheet, an accounting application, a web browser,
a media player, an aeronautical flight simulator, a console game or a photo editor. The collective
nounapplication software refers to all applications collectively.[1] This contrasts with system
software, which is mainly involved with running the computer.
Applications may be bundled with the computer and its system software or published separately, and
may be coded as proprietary, open-source or university projects.[2] Apps built for mobile platforms are
called mobile apps.

Vertical System Vs Horizontal System

A horizontal system is any software application that targets a large number of users with different knowledge and
skill sets. Because these types of applications can extend across markets and be used in a range of industries, they
typically do not offer market-specific features.

Examples of Horizontal Systems

Horizontal systems can be off-the-shelf solutions or integratedand proprietary vendor solutions. Some examples of
horizontal applications include word processors, spreadsheets, financial software and Web browsers.

A vertical system is any software application that supports a specific business process and targets a smaller number
of users with specific skill sets and job responsibilities within an organization.

Examples of Vertical Systems

Enterprise applications such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (customer relationship management)
are types of vertical Systems.

Vertical Systems are Customized

Vertical applications are often customized to meet the needs of industry-specific users. Vertical apps are also more
complicated to use than horizontal apps, and because they need to integrate with other systems used in the
organization, they may require ITassistance and deployment.