Office automation in local government in the UK

Abstract This article summarises the findings from a survey of local authorities. The survey represents the first attempt to obtain detailed information at the departmental level within an authority. The results show current and planned office automation applications and trends in its use. User's perceptions of the value of the applications and the factors leading to successful implementation are discussed. The general trend is away from individual applications towards greater integration and the sharing of data. This trend is characterised as a move from office automation towards office systems and is a sign of the stage of growth of office automation within local authorities.