An investigation into the theoretical and practical aspects of office mechanisation

Abstract

The leaders of industry are so often leaders because of their distaste for regulation and orthodox methods. They are often reluctant to be restricted in their activities by static requirements of a mechanised system. It may, however, be observed that, with the rapid strides in the development of machinery itself, the makers are very willing to make favourable trade -out conditions in order that users may take advantage of the most recent improvements. It may well be that, owing to improvements, ten years might be regarded as the period of most useful life for the more expensive office machinery, by which time the initial cost should have been fully saved to the user.

The Question of installing mechanical aid in the office is largely an economic one, and must be determined by the need of such aids, and in the return which they are likely to yield. Needs, on the one hand, are essentially relative, and cannot be assessed by simple standards. On the other hand, returns are difficult to translate into £.s.d. where speed, accuracy, security, and even prestige, may be involved. It will be the purpose of the pages which follow to endeavour to afford some guidance on these issues.