Office and enterprise computerization is a general term that encompasses a wide range of computer, communications, and information technology applications in companies. Although automation is constantly evolving, the Edmonton market is quite large, with billions of dollars in annual investments. Before the development of information technology, things were very complicated. Read more about how computerization happened in Edmonton in this article on edmonton-future.

How Things Were in Edmonton 

The technology that is now prevalent both in the city and around the world has its origins in Edmonton since 1960, when three identified streams of development took place. For the first time, the city began using computing technology installed in various businesses and universities. It was primarily used to calculate salaries and manage accruals. This information was published in one of the local magazines.

The other programs were primarily focused on processing numerical data and were usually operated by programmers. From this point on, the use of computer technology began to evolve, encompassing even more types of data processing.

The second stream of technological development was in text processing. In 1970, IVM introduced its product MCST, the Magnetic Card Selectric Typewriter, in Alberta. The device had a box filled with special electronic equipment. The operator inserted a card with a special coating, the size, and shape of a standard IVM punch card, into the top of the box and typed on the attached typewriter.

The card served as a memory device with magnetized spots encoding data. After inputting the information, it was possible to edit and reproduce the text, allowing for new copies of documents to be printed on the attached typewriter.

Introduction of the Internet in Edmonton Companies

The most dramatic change in communication technology for different areas of business was the introduction of the Internet. The increased use of the Internet, including email and websites, transformed the work environment. The Internet broke down geographic barriers to communication, opened up markets, and created a feedback-rich environment. The government made high-speed Internet the norm, and local businesses increasingly relied on the Internet for their communication needs.

By the 1980s, almost half of the offices in Alberta were automated with computers and IT technology. Even the simplest home offices had at least three computers each, becoming powerful “workstations.”

What Was in the Old Computers 

Back then, computers provided workers with various capabilities, including:

• Word processing
• Access to information in files
• Network communication
• Electronic messaging
• Text editing
• Voice charts, and more

The Benefits of Computerization 

During that time, new information management systems ranged from simple to complex, with humans primarily responsible for storing and retrieving data. These systems assisted individuals in dealing with large amounts of rapidly changing information.

Decision support systems included complex programs utilizing extensive databases. They enabled businesses to perform intricate and accurate analyses, improving the speed and quality of decision-making.

Each year, computers became more powerful, able to process and store increasing amounts of information. Moreover, computers allowed humans to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.