RACE AGAINST TIME: AUTOMATION OF THE OFFICE

Abstract

Office automation as it is being introduced today aims “to automate office procedures”, as I.B.M. points out, not “merely to mechanize tasks”. It refers to the use of computer technology to process and transmit information, combining word and data processing. Automation also involves linking together today's many modern devices into “integrated office systems”. Because new technology is being developed to computerize the veryflow of workin the office, its potential impact is qualitatively different from previous office equipment which “mechanized” or “automated” routine tasks.