Office Automation

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What Does Office Automation Mean?

Office automation (OA) refers to the collective hardware, software and processes that enable automation of the information processing and communication tasks in an organization. It involves using computers and software to digitize, store, process and communicate most routine tasks and processes in a standard office.

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Techopedia Explains Office Automation

Typically, office automation calls for having all hardware, software and network resources to automate basic to advanced-level tasks in an office environment. A comprehensive office automation solution typically includes:

  • Computers for all employees and/or data processing personnel
  • Software that enables word processing, creating spreadsheets, managing accounts and more
  • Internet connectivity and email programs to send and receive email messages
  • Fax and printing services
  • Instant communication such as VoIP and more
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Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.