Electronic data processing
Typically, this uses relatively simple, repetitive activities to process large volumes of similar information.
These could afford to invest the time and capital necessary to purchase hardware, hire specialist staff to develop bespoke software and work through the consequent (and often unexpected) organizational and cultural changes.
Literature on computers and EDP was sparse and mostly obtained through articles appearing in accountancy publications and material supplied by the equipment manufacturers.
[9] New procedures redesigned the way paper flowed, changed organizational structures, called for a rethink of the way information was presented to management and challenged the internal control principles adopted by the designers of accounting systems.
[10] But the full realization of these benefits had to await the arrival of the next generation of computers As with other industrial processes commercial IT has moved in most cases from a custom-order, craft-based industry where the product was tailored to fit the customer; to multi-use components taken off the shelf to find the best-fit in any situation.
Today, Intel Pentium and compatible chips are standard and become parts of other components which are combined as needed.
One individual change of note was the freeing of computers and removable storage from protected, air-filtered environments.
Microsoft and IBM at various times have been influential enough to impose order on IT and the resultant standardizations allowed specialist software to flourish.
These are highly specialized and intricate components of larger environments, but they rely upon common conventions and interfaces.
Common file formats can be shared by large mainframes and desktop personal computers, allowing online, real-time input and validation.
[9] At the other end of the scale, any office manager can dabble in spreadsheets or databases and obtain acceptable results (but there are risks, because many do not know what Software testing is).
At the other end of the scale, any office manager can dabble in spreadsheets or databases and obtain acceptable results.
