Impact of information technology on users' work environment: A case of computer aided design (CAD) system implementation

Study of the possible impacts of a new information system or technology on its users is an important area of MIS research. Understanding and identifying favorable and unfavorable impacts of implementation on users should be helpful in developing better design guidelines and choices to take full advantage of the potential of information technology, while minimizing the possible negative consequences for users. This paper presents the details of impacts created by the implementation of a computer aided design (CAD) system for part designers at an automotive parts manufacturer. The paper employs equity–implementation (E–I) model as a framework to help identify and analyze the impacts of CAD technology implementation on part designers' work environment. The paper identifies changes in the designers' inputs and outcomes as a result of CAD implementation. On the whole the impacts were found to be favorable for designers, the manufacturing organization, and its customers. The paper concludes that the E–I model provides a useful framework to help assess the nature of impacts created by the new system. The reactions of designers to the new system were also found to be consistent with the E–I model.