Use of Large Computers at a Distance

collection systems we are experimenting with require considerable future development in the light of practical experience and as this experience is gained, many of our fundamental ideas will also change. Mr. C. Harris (S.C. Johnson Ltd.): Why are output reports produced "On Demand" rather than at regular times? Mr. Russell: I have already mentioned the problem of reduction in paperwork. At Vauxhall we regard the printer as one of our basic enemies, only to be used when it is essential. So far, we are just as guilty as most other computer installations of excessive use of stationery. We are continually searching (so far without very much success) for the answers to the systems problems relating to reports on an exception basis. Reports produced at regular times in our experience tend to be application reports (such as supporting Payroll lists and Invoice lists etc.) Present development is concentrated on producing reports "On Demand" as a result of feed-back of information. These feed-back reports should generate action, whereas regularly produced reports tend to be historical. This, I am sure you will appreciate, is a complete subject in itself and I cannot give you as detailed an answer as I would like.