Software - MIS

BY MARK SMITH Since the earliest days of computing, technology gurus have espoused a grand vision for a digitally interconnected future. The full potential of electronics and automation will only be realized if people and data are not kept captive in isolated systems, they've said. Making individual processes digital—or creating "islands of automation"—increases productivity, but is just the first step. Computer-integrated manufacturing is supposed to be the ultimate goal. The manifestation of this concept can be seen in the progression from standalone computers to systems linked via local area networks (LANs), then wide area networks (WANs) and, ultimately, the Internet. Passing information digitally

BY CAROLINE MILLER Implementing a new computer management system can sometimes feel like a reoccurring nightmare that leaves you feeling dazed, confused and just plain exhausted. But whether you are buying your first system, going through an upgrade or looking at a completely new system, there are several steps you can take to avoid waking up in a cold sweat. "The ideal implementation includes smart people using smart technology that is supported by smart people," remarks Paul Grieco, president of Printers Software. So what makes an implementation successful? Several computer management vendors recently discussed the "do's" and "don'ts" of software implementation with Printing Impressions.