The objectives of commercial data processing (DP) and operational research (OR) have been different. In the past DP meant using computers for applications that were primarily of routine accounting nature. OR, a branch of applied science, has been concerned with techniques for generating improved information for management decision-making. Only a fraction of the Potentials of the powerful new OR methods have been realized. Significant further progress depends heavily on re-design of commercial data processing systems to include OR "models" and techniques as parts of new and improved management information and control systems. This paper will discuss how accounting systems must be adapted to permit more effective exploitation of OR technology.
Le traitement automatique des données commerciales (TAD ou "commercial data processing") et la Recherche Operationnelle (RO) ont poursuivi des buts différents dans le passé, le TAD consistant principalement dans l'application des ordinateurs aux problèmes commerciaux de nature comptable, alors que la RO, en tant que science apliquée, s'adresse particulièrement aux méthodes de création de l'information nécessaire pour faciliter le processus de décision par la direction de l'entreprise. A l'heure actuelle, seule une fraction de l'usage potentiel des puissantes méthodes de RO a pu être exploitée. Les progrès futurs nécessiteront une nouvelle conception des systèmes "commerciaux" de TAD, qui, en y incorporant les "modèles" et les techniques de RO, permettra l'élaboration de meilleurs systèmes d'information et de contrôle pour la direction.
L'adaptation des systèmes comptables actuels nécessaires pour une exploitation plus efficace des techniques de RO est analysée dans l'article qui suit.
Although the first electronic computer was built in the early 1940's, it was not until 1952, when commercial machines were first built, that electronic data processing became a serious subject. This was scarcely 15 years ago.
Much has already been written about the impact of computers in industry and even in our ~ociety.l-~ The installation of computers in certain organizations has already greatly increased the efficiency of some of the operations. However, it is becoming clear that computers do not merely bring an increase in efficiency.
There have been some basic transformations on the institutions and enterprises that would have been impossible without computers. And more changes are foreseeable in the future. Perhaps the biggest change in industry will be on management organization and functions. This paper focuses attention on the commercial data processing activities that have grown up in the by J. S. ARONOFSKY Manager, Operations Research Department Mobil Oil Corporation New York petroleum industry. The prediction is made that data processin
