Future of Office Automation

A recently published report on office automation indicates that there will be major changes in the way individuals and organisations work during the next five years. This will require careful planning and commitment from senior managers, employees, specifiers and suppliers of office equipment. The report, Office Automation — Lessons, Trends and the Future of Office Printing, was produced by PA Computers and Telecommunications (PActel) and cites statistics which forecast a threefold increase in the number of output printers in Western Europe between 1984 and 1990. This growth has been assisted by falling prices, particularly with laser printers and standard computer hardware, over recent years. Such reductions have put flexibility and quietness of operation within the reach of small as well as large offices.