Computers

Press, 14 May 1981, Page 20

Computers

Few principals of small to medium sized businesses realize the vast potential a micro-computer has for their operation.

Much of the blame for this probably rests with the computer industry itself -as it tends to bewilder by using computer terminology “buzz’’ words and abbreviations. Because of this, it may not be realised that a microcomputer is just an office machine able to perform routine business functions simply, quickly and without error — and it. is now cheaper than most mediumsized business vehicles. The businessman should regard the micro-computer simply as an efficient and versatile piece of equipment for creating and pricing invoices. producing statements and sales analysis and building stock records, price lists and re-order reports. Other applications include pay calculations, ledger keeping, job costing and.product price-calculating. Word processing by computer means letters, documents, reports, manuals and the like can be stored, retrieved, corrected or modified. then automatically retyped. There is an ever-expanding range of applications- in the data management field, with

files set up by the user being stored then retrieved or sorted into any like subheading or group of headings. The ability to build onto a

system as needs arise is not necessarily available but is offered very effectively by some manufacturers. The businessman should also realise that the computer on its own has only the potential to be used in these ways; it is the "software” or programme that completes the system and allows the computer to be operated by ordinary, non-technical people. Programmes for business use are often considered by the layman as items ah experienced programmer could produce in a couple of hours. In fact, they are complex structures which, in many cases, teams of programmers have taken thousands of man-hours to produce, test and perfect. It is internationally realised that software lags well behind the technological advances made in recent years in computer equipment. For this reason the businessman is wise to choose a company able to demonstrate that its work in business systems is reliable and is being used successfully. Most businesses will inevitably install a computer sys-

tern in the future and aftersales hardware and software support are key factors in selecting a system that will be satisfactory in the long term. (From copy supplied bv Business Distributors, Ltd,'and Kerridge Odeon Business Equipment.) The market for small business computers is poised for significant growth in the 1980 s as smaller businesses begin to recognise the benefits of a mini-computer installation.

So says Burroughs, Ltd, a computer company that has served the New Zealand business community for 50 years. .' T , The advantages of modern computers have already been recognised by many’ organisations and there are now over 130 installations of the new Burroughs mini-com-puters in New Zealand. These include firms in the primary, secondary and service industries; mining companies. timber merchants, contractors, bakeries, dairy

companies, transport operators, chartered accountants, unions, local. authorities. The traditional applications for bookkeeping machines have been the accounting functions for debtors, creditors, payrolls and private ledgers. The modern mini-computer provides the facility to process these fatmore efficiently. ■lt also offers tremendous opportunities in informtion management. For example, improved control of inventory, automatic promotional

campaigns to customers, control of production ahU cash forecasting. T The modern computer also includes the, capability for word procesing to simplify; and speed ■up time-consum-ing, mundane/office tasks. . ; Burroughs have long ex-; perience in meeting the computer needs of many industries but simplicity of operation remains the single most important factor in the deci-; sion of a small business to purchase a Burroughs mini-, computer. ' k