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Since June, Ameritech technicians in Illinois, as well as technicians in parent company SBC Communications' other regions, have been equipped with wireless laptop computers called Intelligent Field Devices that provide […]

Wendy's International is expected to pick a vendor to develop new computer systems for its stores. Wendy's wants coordination between the store systems and the enterprise system. The fast food chain also wants effective communications between users and providers companywide, from senior managers to restaurant managers. Wendy's decided to change its store systems when an audit from Coppers and Lybrand revealed that the current systems were not aligned with the enterprise system., For years the cornerstone of advertising by Wendy's International was a simple question put to the quick-service chain's competitors by a feisty old woman, who would ask indignantly, 'Where's the [...]

I just flew back from the Comdex show in Las Vegas, and are my arms tired - mostly from lugging paper for two days until it dawned on me that […]

Many companies do plenty of research before they buy a computer, but after they get it, they put it anywhere. Little forethought is given to the actual location of computer equipment. But not thinking about where the computer will go could lead not only to inefficient usage, but also to equipment damage. Each function which accompanies data processing should be individually considered, and carefully planned for. For example, data entry employees should have a bright, cheerful, large workplace with mobile furniture so that morale is high. The room where the machines are stored should be close to the output room, and needs special conditions to function at maximum levels. A successful computer environment can be obtained with a little forethought about the needs of the different parts of the system, including the equipment and the personnel.

Failure of a computer system is frequently attributable to a lack of sufficient planning before the installation. Determine the ways in which the computer is to be used and then select a consultant who is not connected with any particular product line to offer assistance in selecting the right equipment and in its installation. When the system is installed and after training has taken place, data may be entered into the computer. A parallel manual system should be maintained initially so that data will not be permanently lost if there is a system failure and to locate errors which may only be found through comparison to the manually prepared data.

Microcomputers, while reliable, do fail. Managers who are involved in the use of microcomputers should plan for such an eventuality. Clarification of the issues involved may be enhanced by a discussion with superiors. A service contract covering the hardware is important in planning how to protect equipment. Warranty coverage, where the system is placed, how users are educated in system use, special protection devices, and daily back up of data are other measures which should be considered.

Office automation is an undertaking that poses particular problems for management. The solution is to hire an independent consultant. Six criteria are detailed as a profile for the ideal consultant. Equally important are the danger signals that the manager should be aware of before hiring a consultant.