A/E/C SYSTEMS Computer Solutions Winter-Spring 1992 page 5


Publisher's Perspective -- George S. Borkovich -- Michael R. Hough

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AUTOMATE OR DIE (REPRISE)


Almost ten years ago "Automate or Die" was the headline of a controversial article that appeared in our managment newsletter. In it we predicted that firms which did not adopt the automated systems just then being introduced eventually would cease to be competitive, and thus would die. Many castigated us back then, but the prediction essentially has come true. Generally speak- ing, the most successful firms are the most automated: but the mere fact of automation does not guarantee success. It is with that knowledge that our message, ten years later, is...

"Automate effectively or die!"

Today, computers make mountains of data--useful, important information essen- tial to successful project completion--available at our fingertips. The tech- nology in our industry is convenient, precise, and even inexpensive . . . able to whisk away production tedium and free more time for creative endeavors. Yet despite the many obvious advantages of automation, there remain among us a con- siderable number of diehard traditionalists like the fellow on our cover--de- signers who cling to their bumwad and felt-tip pens and others who shun all technology as inhibitive to the creative process. In this age of electronic information, such dinosaurs are far more than annoying. They significantly and negatively impact your firm's chances for effective automation. Effective auto- mation means that:

To automate effectively we need to address appropriate degrees of computeriza- tion, the ratio of computer seats to staff, the percentage of firmwide projects and the array of applications used to solve project requirements.

Perhaps most importantly, we need to address the problem of professionals in our firms who steadfastly refuse to adapt to the new technology. Are they--can they ever be--effective? We don't think so, and the majority of you will agree. But look around your firm, and you'll find many people on the verge of extinc- tion . . . the dinosaurs who refuse to automate. Not only are they committing professional suicide, they are threatening the well-being of every firm striv- ing to survive in a murderously competitive marketplace.

Effective automation is a matter of necessity. Our lives are touched by comput- ers on a daily basis, and when we use them, we learn to live with them. As we live with them, we can design and construct better for our clients, who also require computers to complete their daily activities.

Our industry cannot move forward by clinging to outdated methods, and we cannot improve productivity and profitability merely by computerizing old techniques. Rather, we must revamp traditional procedures to maximize the opportunities presented by technology. We must eliminate the holdouts who cannot or will not adapt. We must automate effectively--or die. --G.S.B. and M.R.H.