Teleprocess helps local firm speed service

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32701, 2 September 1971, Page 16

Teleprocess helps local firm speed service

A computer service for customers requiring spare parts for earthmoving and agricultural machinery has been introduced by Gough, Gough, and Hamer, Ltd.

The service, which uses computer teleprocessing techniques and is the first of its kind in Australia and New Zealand was inaugurated yesterday at the Canterbury sales, service and parts branch at Hornby. At the ceremony were Mr O. T. Gough, executive director and deputy chairman of the board, Mr S. J. Bultitude, secretary and director,

and Mr W. O. Nicholson, acting general manager, representing Gough, Gough, and Hamer, Ltd, and Mr D. S. Greatorex, managing director, and Mr D. B. Beck, South Island manager, representing 1.8. M. New Zealand, Ltd. The teleprocessing system, which also provides comprehensive management information, uses 1.8. M. data processing equipment in conjunction with Post Office data communication lines.

These link the System/360 Model 30 computer at Gough, Gough, and Hamer’s Christchurch head office to a network of data transmission terminals installed in branches throughout New Zealand.

Using the typewriter-like keyboard of these terminals, within seconds, staff at any on-line branch can obtain up-to-the-minute information and order the supply of any part. All information related to customers’ orders, placed at branches throughout the country, is entered directly into the computer system. The customer, at whichever branch he may be, can be told immediately the nearest location of the part he requires and when it can be delivered.

Processing of the information subsequently produces for management, customer invoices and brings up to date the debtors’ ledgers and . produces monthly statements. Sales analyses are also provided, branch stocks can be replenished automatically, and financial and management reports produced.

The communications network is also used for message switching between i branches and head office, and also for inter-branch inquiry —another step to convey information quickly and ensure the best possible service to customers.

The company, first began using modern data processing techniques in 1962, using 1.8. M. unit record equipment. Four years later it installed the System/360 computer which is connected to terminals at Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Hastings, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Branches at Taumaranui and Invercargill will be linked soon.

The photograph shows Mr Gough and Mr Groatorex watching Miss M. A. Bearman processing a customer Inauiry.