Final answer:
Centralized processing enables tight control over system operations and applications, an advantage rooted in structures from the Industrial Revolution that valued a clear chain of command.
Step-by-step explanation:
An advantage of centralized processing is that it facilitates tight control over system operations and applications. This control structure was particularly effective during the Industrial Revolution when organizations were built for mass production, assembly line work, and factory jobs. In those situations, having a clear chain of command was indispensable for operational integrity and efficiency.
However, it's important to note that with the advent of the information age, overly rigid adherence to bureaucracy and protocol can potentially lower productivity and efficiency due to less flexibility in the system to adapt to changing scenarios.