WHAT IS OFFICE AUTOMATION?

The term office automation refers to all tools and methods that are applied to office activities which make it possible to process written, visual, and sound data in a computer-aided manner. Office automation is intended to provide elements which make it possible to simplify, improve, and automate the organization of the activities of a company or a group of people (management of administrative data, synchronization of meetings, etc.). Considering that company organizations require increased communication, today, office automation is no longer limited to simply capturing handwritten notes. In particular, it also includes the following activities:

Exchange of information. Management of administrative documents. Handling of numerical data. Meeting planning and management of work schedules.

Definition 1. Office automation is the action of using varied equipment, machinery and software to store, manipulate and electronically capture or transfer data necessary for business. Key Employees Involved 2. Employees involved in office automation include administrative assistants, accounting personnel, IT specialists and anyone else who handles the dayto-day operations of the business. Many times larger companies will have a sizable customer service staff involved, too.

 Training 3. Administrative staff must have knowledge of the latest computer software packages, plus the ability to learn any proprietary software or databases the company has acquired.

ADVANTAGES 4. Office automation can get many tasks accomplished faster, eliminating the need for a larger staff. Less storage space is required for data, and copies can be easily transferred off-site for safekeeping in case of fire or other emergency. Multiple people can be updated simultaneously in the event of schedule changes.

DISADVANTAGES 5. Older staff members may have a harder time adjusting to the new technology and be unable to use it efficiently. Also, if something is "misfiled," it can be a lot harder to find. Other disadvantages include the amount of money required to implement and the cost of maintenance of certain equipment.

BRIEF HISTORY OF AUTOMATION: THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY
In 1981, IBM introduced its personal computer (PC) for use in the home, office and schools. Prior to that time, there had been several MS-DOS compatible personal computers that ran DOS programs. As computers became more widespread in the workplace (ie. an independent agent's office), new ways to unleash their potential developed. As smaller computers became more powerful, they could be linked together, or networked, to share memory space, software and information, and communicate with each other. So where does the insurance industry enter the "automation" picture? Independent agents have come a long way in using technology over the past 20 years. From the early 1980s through the mid-1990s, independent agents for the most part used PC-based automation systems to boost efficiency and cut costs. Since 1970, ACORD, a not-for-profit standards-setting association for the insurance industry, has been involved in automation. The association is comprised of carriers, agents, vendors, solution providers, associations and other interested parties. "They aren't the ones who 'built' the automation system," managing director of Standards for ACORD. "What we did and still do is provide standards-Forms and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) upon which the vendors or solution providers base their automation systems." They explained that to find out how the industry became automated, one must look to the vendors and solution providers. In 1972, the first ACORD form, a property loss notice, went into use. Today, ACORD's standards include Forms, AL3 (Automation Level 3), XML, OLife and ObjX. The Forms are point of sale, data collection vehicles, AL3 is ACORD's EDI standard (or machine-to-machine, business-to-business, data transmission formats or components), OLife is a data integration standard and ObjX is "much more than EDI." In the 1980s-when the number of PCs in use increased dramatically-ACORD members asked for standardized electronic transmissions between the agents' computers and the carriers' computers.

"The industry has come to ACORD to consolidate efforts to eliminate duplication of work,"."For example, without one approved, countrywide ACORD application, all of the 2,400-plus insurance carriers would have to have their own form. And the vendors or solution providers who automate those forms would have to customize each form." Now that ACORD and the industry are working hand-in-hand, there is one form accepted and used by many of those carriers. In addition, the vendors or solution providers have the option to become licensed by ACORD to redistribute the Forms. "ACORD provides them with tools...to print the ACORD Forms,". "ACORD's Forms efforts have stripped the costs out of this distribution channel." Same manner that the industry came together with ACORD to do Forms, they have also worked to develop EDI Standards. "Through our subcommittee process and strict compliance to anti-trust guidelines, They bring together carriers, agents, vendors, solution providers and other interested parties to discuss what is needed to transmit the data collected,".

Change is good
The industry on the whole, is slow to make changes, "although there are some carriers that have the resources to be on the leading edge of technology." The beginning was a bit archaic. "Carriers realized the benefits of automation and developed proprietary systems that they placed in the agents' offices,". "This resulted in the agents having to physically go from one terminal to another to interface with the carriers automating their process." With the inception of the agency management vendors and ACORD's standards implemented in those systems, the agents were conceptually able to eliminate those proprietary terminals and work through one system. "This concept called SEMCI, Single Entry Multiple Company Interface, allowed the agents to keep the data in one place and transmit it electronically to any of the carriers it was licensed to represent," Durland explained.

One step forward, two steps back

Ten years ago, when Durland joined ACORD, there were many agency management systems attempting to enable SEMCI. "Today, due to acquisitions and mergers, there are three primary vendors and a few smaller ones,". "SEMCI is still the goal for the agents and the carriers. However, with the inception of Web enabled processes, the carriers-in an effort to streamline their costs-reverted back to proprietary applications. "Those leading edge carriers put up Web sites that required the agent to go to the site and enter the information. So instead of going to a separate terminal in their office, they now had to connect to a Web site and rekey the data that was already in their databases." This resulted in the acceptance of the new standard XML. "XML is a standard that enables connectivity between Web applications and agency management systems, in addition to business-to-business, business-tocustomer, etc.,". The goal to secure SEMCI, can still happen with the implementation of XML. "Plus it broadens the trading partner base to be more than the agent to insurance carrier,".

A push for implementation

In the 1990s, implementation guides were written and a certification process was developed. Today, there are more than 12,000 upload and 40,000 download implementations using AL3 standards. AL3 continues to evolve and there are new implementations every day, including using AL3 standards over the Internet. Ever since the dawn of the industry's automation, forms standardization continued and still continues to be an important focus for ACORD as the standards-setting association works with many different trading partners within the industry. Today there are roughly 400 ACORD forms. And although it's important to note how many forms there are, what is even more important to note is the fact that these ACORD forms have eliminated or prevented 80,000 proprietary forms-saving the industry millions of dollars.

Communicating on a global basis ACORD has staff dedicated to building relationships with other standardssetting organizations. The fact is, the industry handles business on a global basis, so it just makes sense that the goal is to be able to communicate on a global basis. As an example, Durland pointed out that carriers write coverage for properties owned by people all over the world. In turn, these carriers work with other carriers or reinsurers to share the exposure. When asked why it is so important for the industry to be automated, Durland said, "Automation strips costs out of workflows." Simply put, to only have to go to one place for information and to be able to service customers quickly and efficiently is key. "For example, the agent and carrier agree to indemnify the customer if they have a loss which is covered under their policy. The customer pays a fee based on that promise. When the loss occurs, they want someone to handle it promptly...to be given information on the progression of the resolution...and be paid or have the item replaced ASAP,". Automation makes it possible "With the technology and automation available to us today, the opportunities to share information are unlimited,". "The industry realizes that and is working together to figure out how to communicate electronically with each other."

The History of the Motherboard

1924

The Tabulating Machine Company is renamed to IBM.

The tabulating machine was an electrical device designed to assist in summarizing information and, later, accounting. Invented byHerman Hollerith, the machine was developed to help process data for the 1890 U.S. Census. It spawned a larger class of devices known as unit record equipment and the data processing industry.

1939

Hewlett Packard is founded.

William (Bill) Hewlett and David (Dave) Packard both graduated in electrical engineering from Stanford University in 1935Hewlett-Packard Company ( HP specializes in developing and manufacturing computing, storage, and networking hardware, software and services. Major product lines include personal computing devices, enterprise servers, related storage devices, as well as a diverse range of printers and other imaging products.

1947

The first transistor is invented.

The first transistor was invented at Bell Laboratories on December 16, 1947 by William Shockley (seated at Brattain's laboratory bench), John Bardeen (left) and Walter Brattain (right). This was perhaps the most important electronics event of the 20th century, as it later made possible the integrated circuit and microprocessor that are the basis of modern electronics. Prior to the transistor the only alternative to its current regulation and switching functions (TRANSfer resISTOR) was the vacuum tube, which could only be miniaturized to a certain extent, and wasted a lot of energy in the form of heat. Although video was possible with vacuum tube equipment, as was the case with the Ampex VRX-1000, without the transistor video products would never have gotten very small.

1957

DEC is founded.

Digital

Equipment

Corporation was

pioneering

American company in the computer industry. It is often referred to within the computing industry as DEC

1966

MoboCop was born.

1967

Motherboards.org

IBM creates the first floppy disk.

30 years ago 100KB disks were the most effective means of transferring data between computers. Invented by IBM's Alan shugart in 1971, floppies are made up of a 'floppy' magnetic storage disk encased in a plastic square or rectangular outer shell. over the years its size was reduced by more than half with the 8" version being replaced by the 5.25" and the 3.5" surpassing that. From the mid 1970s to the late 1990s the format remained popular until the introduction of flash and optical storage devices such as CD-Rs and USB sticks.
1968

Intel Corp is founded.

Intel the world's largest semiconductor chip maker, based on revenue. Intel was founded in 1968 by Gordon E. Moore (of "Moore's Law" fame, a chemist and physicist) and Robert Noyce (a physicist and co-inventor of the integrated circuit) when they left Fairchild Semiconductor.
1969

AMD is founded.
AT&T Bell Laboratories develop Unix.Compuserve is founded. Founded May 1, 1969 by Jerry Sanders, Advanced Micro Devices has became a large competitor in the Pentium-compatible chip market with their own line of Intel-compatible processors.
1970

Intel releases the first microprocessor - the 4004. Intel announces the 1103, the first random-access memory (RAM).

1972

The compact disc is invented.

A Compact Disc (also known as a CD) is an optical discused to store digital data. It was originally developed to store sound recordings exclusively, but later it also allowed the preservation of other types of data. Audio CDs have been commercially available since October 1982. In 2009, they remain the standard physical storage medium foraudio. Standard CDs have a diameter of 120 mm and can hold up to 80 minutes of uncompressed audio (700 MB of data). TheMini CD has various diameters ranging from 60 to 80 mm; they are sometimes used for CD singles or device drivers, storing up to 24 minutes of audio

1974

Intel releases the 8080 microprocessor.

1975

MITS ships one of the first PCs, the Altair 8800 with one kilobyte (KB) of memory: A mail-order kit for $397.00.Paul Allen and Bill Gates and found Microsoft. Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs found Apple Computer.
1976

Intel introduces the 8086 microprocessor.

Xerox develops the widely used networking protocol Ethernet.
1977

Star Wars debuts. ARCNET the first commercially network is developed. The Apple II, the first personal computer with color graphics is demonstrated.
1978

The 5.25-inch floppy disk becomes an industry standard. Epson introduces the TX-80
1979

The Motorola 6800 is released. The Intel 8088 is released.Phoenix is founded.

Texas Instruments releases the TI 99/4 personal computer. Hayes markets its first modem. Atari introduces coin-operated version of Asteroids. 3COM is founded.
1980

IBM hires Paul Allen and Bill Gates to create DOS. Microsoft licenses Unix and starts to develop a PC version, XENIX. The first Tandy Color computer is introduced. AST is founded.
1981

Hewlett-Packard Superchip, the first 32-bit chip is introduced. Intel ships the 8087 math coprocessor.
MS-DOS 1.0 was released. IBM releases its IBM PC, which runs on DOS. Commodore ships the VIC-20, which later becomes the worlds most popular computer costing only $299.95. Logitech is founded. Adaptec is founded.
1982

The Intel 80286 processor is announced.

Peter Norton creates Norton Utilities. Sony releases its first Trinitron monitor. Sun is incorporated. Compaq Computer Corp. is founded. MSDOS version 1.25 is released. Adobe is founded.
1983

The IBM XT is first introduced. The Apple IIe is introduced. MS-DOS 2.0 was released. Microsoft Windows was announced November, 1983
1984

ISA is expanded to 16-bit. The 3.5-inch floppy diskette is

introduced. Dell Computer is founded IBM develops EGA. Microsoft introduces MS-DOS 3.0 for the IBM PC AT and MS-DOS 3.1 for networks. The Tandy 1000 personal computer is introduced. University of Southern California professor Fred Cohen creates alarm when he warns the public about computer viruses. Kings Quest 1: Quest for the crown is released to the public. MoboCop graduates from High School Cirrus is founded.

1985

Intel

80386. Microsoft and IBM begin collaboration on the next-generation operating system (OS/2). Gateway 2000 is founded. Microsoft Windows 1.0 is shipped. ATI is founded.
1986

introduces

the

MS-DOS 3.2 was released.

1987

Elite group Computer Systems (ECS) is established. The SPARC processor is introduced by Sun.
IBM introduces VGA. IBM introduces MCA. MS-DOS 3.3 was released. Microsoft and IBM release OS/2 1.0. IBM introduces the PS / 2 personal computers. IBM sends clone manufactures letters demanding retroactive licensing fees.
1988

EISA is developed as an alternative to MCA. Intel introduces the 16 MHz 80386SX microprocessor.
Creative Labs introduces the SoundBlaster MS-DOS 4.0 was released. MS-DOS 4.01 was released.
1989

Intel releases the 486DX processor. Asus is founded.

1990

Intel releases the 80386SL processor. Microsoft releases

Windows 3.0. The World, the first commercial Internet dial-up access provider comes online. Creative Labs introduces the SoundBlaster Pro. Microsoft and IBM stop working together to develop operating systems. IBM introduces XGA.
1991

Intel introduces the Intel 486SX Advanced Micro Devices introduces the Am386DX. The Enhanced Parallel
Port (EPP) is developed by Intel, Xircom and Zenith Data

Systems. Linux is introduced. World Wide Web is launched. Microsoft changes the name of OS/2 to Windows NT. MS-DOS 5.0 was released.
1992

Intel releases the 486DX2. Intel introduces the Peripheral

Component Interconnect (PCI).VESA local bus is introduced. Microsoft and Hewlett Packard develops ECP.
1993

Intel develops PPGA. Intel releases the Pentium Processor. IRDA is founded. The EPA establishes Energy Star.
PowerPC processor for the Apple Power Mac is introduced. DOOM by IdSoftware was released. Myst is released.
1994

A mathematical flaw in the Intel Pentium is discovered. Intel releases the IntelDX4 processor. YAHOO is created Netscape is founded. Commodore computers files Bankruptcy. Microsoft releases its beta for Windows 95. Rasmus Lerdorf creates PHP. MS-DOS 6.22 was released. Microsoft releases Windows 3.11.
1995

Intel releases the new motherboard form factor ATX. USB standard is released. Microsoft Releases Windows 95.
Amazon.com is officially opened.1996 Intel releases the 200 MHz Pentium. Cyrix ships the 133 MHz Media GX processor. NEC merges with Packard Bell. Creative Labs introduces the 3D Blaster card.
1997

Intel introduces the MMX chip. The Intel Pentium II 233 MHz processor is released. AMD introduces the K6
processor. Advanced Graphics Port or AGP design is released. Cyrix is established. DVDs go on sale. Microsoft announces Windows 98.
1998

Intel

processor. Intel releases the 333, 350, and 400 MHz Pentium II.AMR is released Award becomes part of Phoenix. Compaq purchases Digital Equipment Corporation. Hearings open between Microsoft and the U.S. Department of Justice. Microsoft Windows 98 is officially released. Apple introduces the iMac.
1999

releases

the

266

MHzCeleron

Intel releases the Pentium III 500 MHz.

AMD releases the Athlon processor. Cyrix releases the MII processor. Intel announces the Pentium III processor. VIA Technologies announces it will acquire Cyrix from National Semiconductor. NVIDIA introduces the GPU.
2000

CNR is introduced.
AMD introduces the 850 MHz Athlon processor. Intel begins shipping a 1 GHz processor. Intel introduces the 400, 450, and 500 MHz mobile Celeron processors. Intel announces the processor code-named "Willamette" will formally be called Pentium 4. AMD releases the 1.1 GHz Athlon processor.Microsoft Windows 2000 is released.
2001

Intel recalls its 1.13 GHz Pentium III processors. Bill Gates unveils the Xbox. Microsoft Windows XP home and professional editions are released.