Office automation: a look beyond word processing

Abstract

Word processing was the first of various forms of office automation technologies to gain widespread acceptance and usability in the business world. For many, it remains the only form of office automation technology. Office automation, however, is not just word processing, although it does include the function of facilitating and manipulating text. In reality, office automation is not one innovation, or one office system, or one technology, but rather it is the integration of a broad set of office systems, information processing and communications technologies. Office automation encompasses a wide span of applications which will be examined individually as well as collectively. Additionally, this thesis will take a cursory look at the problems of implementing an automated office and the possible impact it can have on human office workers. The purpose of this thesis is thus to provide a capsulated examination of what office automation is, what it consists of, what applications are available, and how it can be implemented.