Application of the punched-card method to the statistical and accounting problems of Texas business as exemplified by representative case studies
Date
1949
Authors
Traweek, Stella
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Department
Description
The modern punched-card method is a natural outcome of the increasing size of business operations. It is one of the children mothered by necessity, and necessity in Texas is great enough to warrant more use of punched cards than is made at present. It is evident, also, that progress is being accelerated in her industrialization and that her need for fast and efficient methods is increasing rapidly. Routine tasks and paper work of all kinds show signs of becoming an impeding burden. I have attempted here to set out-some of the observations I have made in a study of representative Texas businesses and to present some suggestions for improvement. I have found superlative enthusiasm on the part of the users of the punched-card method. Not only have they been universally cooperative in explaining the advantages of the method in their individual businesses, but it has seemed throughout my studies that they have a gospel they are anxious to preach for the good of their fellow workers with quantity records. Once the machines have been used with punched cards to prepare records, it is hard for the user to understand why everybody with any quantity or variety of record keeping does not adopt the method. When a new machine is offered to further shorten or simplify a troublesome process, some Texas users are quick to install and use it. The Texas Department of Public Welfare had the first check-writing collator in this part of the nation. Humble Oil and Refining Company installed one of the first IBM electronic multiplying punches. Yet there are many places in Texas business for profitable use of the punched cards where they are not being used. The most important fact that has been evidenced is the need for education in the use of the punched-card method -- formal education in the colleges and universities for future leaders in Texas business, on-the-job education for people in business who resist the use of the method because they do not understand its advantages. It is my hope that I have set out a picture of the punched-card potentialities in Texas that may assist in the progress of the State toward utilization of the best available devices for increasing speed, efficiency, and precision in keeping business records