Implementing a large office automation system: how to make it work

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses the implementation of a large office automation system to be used by nondata processing as well as data processing staff, i.e., the knowledge worker. At its completion the system will encompass more than 1,000 terminals (one terminal per office). The paper covers the nature of the basic system, IBM's Professional Office System (PROFS), what it does, how it functions, the extent of use, and how to encourage potential users to use it. The paper reviews training procedures from one-on-one to higher ratios and the reasoning behind them, and goes over in detail the nature of the "innovation" curve. Also reviewed are the computer performance and the Local Area Network (broadband with Sytek bus interface units). We currently serve more than 500 users with around 300 terminals already distributed.