Data Automation

Abstract

Abstract This chapter presents the basic concepts of electronic data processing (EDP) systems and describes the steps necessary to plan, design, and implement an effective computer application. Industrial health applications are also discussed and references are provided to assist those interested in pursuing additional aspects of data automation. A data processing glossary is included for reference. Discussions with industrial hygiene professionals about the demands of their jobs reveal that many are spending a significant amount of time arranging, refining, and manipulating data. Of the time spent working with data, many people estimate that 80% of the time is related to the above tasks and that 20% or less is concerned with interpretation of the data and in adding value to the results. This is a tragic waste of effort since the 80% discussed above are activities that can very easily, speedily, and conveniently be handled by automation. Computers and computing technology do a fantastic job of manipulating, collecting, and sorting of data. When industrial hygienists are working on these aspects of the problem, their talents and value to the enterprise are not being fully utilized. The industrial hygienist truly becomes valuable when efforts are spent in interpretation of data, deciding what additional data is needed, and presenting this data. The use of data automation frees up industrial hygienists to do the advanced and technical aspects of their jobs. Everyone is interested in making the maximum contribution to their job/employer and increasing their worth to the enterprise. Certainly, the employer shares that interest. Thus, the quest becomes one of how to optimize the effectiveness of the industrial hygienist. Automating data management can contribute to this. This chapter discusses how automating data can help to increase this value.