This Is No Way to Automate

• Published in: Management world Vol. 16; no. 6; p. 24
• Main Author: Buckley, Pamela K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Administrative Management Society 01.11.1987
• Subjects: Bank automation; Banks; Case studies; Installations; Microcomputers; Office automation; Problems; Training; Middle East
• ISSN: 0090-3825

In 1984, an international bank in a small Persian Gulf country decided to automate in order to eliminate paperwork. The bank had unlimited funds to support a full-scale office automation project, but the tradition-bound culture of the country fostered resistance to the change. Clerical personnel feared their jobs would be eliminated, and managers were reluctant to let their secretaries go for the 2-day training program planned. In addition, some equipment problems arose due to lack of planning. The automation project was scheduled to be complete in 10 months, but after 18 months, only word processing and electronic mail were in place. The bank's experience provides some lessons for automating an office. These include: 1. Allow for 50%-100% additional lead time when awaiting foreign computer products. 2. Start the training with the managers and move downward. 3. Keep everyone informed during the implementation.