FREE online courses on the Basics of a Computer - COMPUTER APPLICATIONS -
Business Applications
The first non-scientific use of
computers concerned routine clerical work. Office administration had previously
used such aids as punched-card accounting machines and adding machines. It was a
natural progression to make use of computers. Computing procedures for clerical
duties were relatively simple to develop since they were already well defined
and the repetitive nature of many of the tasks made them very suitable for the
computer.
Computer applications to business
and commerce date from the middle of the 1950s, a decade of vigorous recovery
from World War II which led to economic expansion and rapid technological
development throughout the industrialized world. Today, most large and
medium-sized companies are almost totally dependent on their computers for
numerous administrative functions. Increasing numbers of smaller concerns are
pursuing computing for themselves whereas previously they made use of the
services of computer bureau or had no involvement with computers at all. As we
pointed out earlier, commercial data processing accounts for 80% of all computer
usage.
In the future, the impact is
likely to be even greater. Microelectronic technology is enabling offices to
function faster and more efficiently, and the cheapness of the technology means
computing is within the grasp of even the smallest business. At a general office
level, word-processing o systems are already changing office practice and
organization. Word processors are particularly useful for preparing reports that
may need to go through one or more revisions and for producing standard letters
and documents. They provide the capability to insert or delete words, lines or
paragraphs, and to print out drafts and final copies at speed. No matter how
many revisions are required the full text is only typed in once, i.e. the
initial draft. Systems may include special purpose packages for specific
applications such as merging address lists, producing a range of documents for
insurance quotations and purchase orders, and even dictionary packages which
signal and correct mis-spellings. There are also special purpose business
systems tailored to meet business requirements and handle business applications.
Integral parts of a business system may be highly developed software packages
which handle payroll and personnel, office accounts, invoicing, record keeping,
stock control, sales analysis, financial forecasting and even word processing.
Specific hardware features may include specially designed terminals or work
stations.
