Impact of minicomputers on electrical wholesale distribution

The presence of minicomputers in electrical wholesale distribution inevitably affects the psychology of wholesaling and the attitude of management. In this paper, the problems of the Balmford Group are discussed, and the reason why we invested in a computer system. A brief review for the layman is given of the three types of computer available, and a description of the system eventually adopted, together with the software already in existence and that which had to be developed. This is followed by a description of how we changed our operating systems to use the equipment to the best advantage, of the subsequent effect on the work force, of advantages gained from the installation, and where future benefits may be found from realisation of the potentialities of our Multibus computer with its DBMS (Database Management Services) and BOPS (Balmford Order Processing System) programs.