"Office automation refers to the type of computer machinery and software used to digitally create, collect, store, manipulate, and relay office information needed for accomplishing basic tasks and goals. Raw data storage, electronic transfer, and the management of electronic business information comprise the basic activities of an office automation system."

"**Office automation refers** to the type of computer machinery and software used to digitally create, collect, store, manipulate, and relay office information needed for accomplishing basic tasks and goals. Raw data storage, electronic transfer, and the management of electronic business information comprise the basic activities of an office automation system." Generally, there are three basic activities of an office automation system: storage of information, data exchange, and data management. Within each broad application area, hardware and software combine to fulfill basic functions that are needed to successfully accomplish the goals for a specific business. Storage of information would be the computer or a computer like system. Data Exchange would be a fax, phone, or some type of communication hardware. Data management would be using specific software tools to organize and maintain data.

The process of automation office tasks with the help of computer technology is called office automation (OA). Different types of tasks are performed in an office. These tasks include: Decision-making Data manipulation Document handling Communication & information storage In an automated system, all these tasks are performed using computer or information technology. Various computer-based systems are used for office automation. The following computer-based systems are used in many offices for office automation: 1- Document management system 2- Message handling system 3- Office support system 1- Document management system Document management system consists of different applications that are used to prepare documents. These applications are: Word processing: It is used to create and edit documents. The documents may include letters, memos, proposals, reports, newsletters and brochures etc. Desktop processing: It is used to make the documents more attractive by inserting photos and graphics into the documents. Spreadsheet software: It is used to manage and to process data in rows and columns. Reprographic: It is the process of reproducing multiple copies of a document. Image processing: It is used to scan images and to store them into computer. These images can be inserted into the document. 2- Message handling system Message handling system is used to send and receive message electronically from one location to another. In most of the offices, the messages are sent and received through computer network and facsimile (Fax). For example, e-mails or voice mails are sent and received through Internet. 3- Office support system Office support system is used to coordinate and manage the activities of work group. The members of the work group can share their work and co-ordinate with each other. Groupware and desktop organizers are examples of office support system.

Hie Uma, - "Office automation refers to the type of computer machinery and software used to digitally create, collect, store, manipulate, and relay office information needed for accomplishing basic tasks and goals. Raw data storage, electronic transfer, and the management of electronic business information comprise the basic activities of an office automation system." - Generally, there are three basic activities of an office automation system: storage of information, data exchange, and data management. Within each broad application area, hardware and software combine to fulfill basic functions that are needed to successfully accomplish the goals for a specific business. Storage of information would be the computer or a computer like system. Data Exchange would be a fax, phone, or some type of communication hardware. Data management would be using specific software tools to organize and maintain data.

Office Automation Systems are systems that try to improve the productivity of employees who need to process data and information. Perhaps the best example is the wide range of software systems that exist to improve the productivity of employees working in an office (e.g. Microsoft Office XP) or systems that allow employees to work from home or whilst on the move. Thanks