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Description
This programme is the second dealing with practical computer systems. It takes a look at the operating systems and the sort of computing procedures used in a large company - the United Biscuits Gro...up. The programme was filmed at three major locations - Head Office, a major factory/depot both in London and the computer centre at Liverpool. It starts by showing how the company does its computing on a daily basis and on a national scale. They use computer terminals and telephone lines to transmit data and results to and fro between depots and the computer centre. The programme shows this system, called the Teleprocessing system at work. It shows how teleprocessing can handle the orders and prepare loading lists for the vans. An animation shows how the computers at Liverpool are organised to handle teleprocessing on a national scale. There is a look at other computing applications such as sales accounting, stock and production control and pay roll. The programme ends by taking a broad view of the computer service as a whole and how it is made to fit into the company's operations.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: PM951, Computing and computers
Item code: PM951; 10
First transmission date: 22-09-1973
Published: 1973
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:26
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Producer: John Richmond
Contributors: David Hoyle; Frank B. Lovis; Colin Lee; Norman Cox; Tony Lamb
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Computer centre; Computer terminals; Data; Depots; Liverpool; London; Operating systems; Telephone lines; Teleprocessing system; United Biscuits Group
Footage description: Frank Lovis introduces the programme, which examines computer applications in United Biscuit Group. Distribution is an especially important area. Shots of delivery lorries in factory yard. Shots of Jaffa Cakes and biscuits on the production line. David Hoyle, Director of Management Services, explains the need for tele-processing to collate Stock data simultaneously from a dozen factories and thirty depots. Frank Lovis explains what tele-processing is. Shots of tele-typewriter and disc files. Frank Lovis runs through the process involved in dealing with orders received at one depot. Shots of forms being handled and filed, and of tele-typewriters in operations. Lovis explains how the messages from the remote terminals are handled by the central computer. Two programs are involved, operating under the supervision of a multi-programming operating system. Animated diagram of computer system and shots of computer room. Hoyle explains how United Biscuits' own software and the computer manufacturer's were integrated. They found many operations and procedures were best left to people. More shots of computer room. Lovis moves on to take a broader view of computing at United Biscuits, and talks to Colin Lee and Norman Cox about the various computer users within the company, particularly production control and payroll. Shots of computer room, printouts, data preparation room. Lovis talks to Tony Lamb about the work of the Sales Accounting Dept., which makes the greatest demands on the computer. Shots of accounts girls at work. Colin Lee talks about problems of scheduling and priorities in managing the computer service. Lovis stresses that success depends on the best sharing of jobs between the computer systems and people, showing examples the sales accounting section. Shots of computer room: punched cards being loaded; tapes; lorries; conveyor belts; women in sales accounting office. Lovis sums up with Lee and Hoyle the problems be met and the need for a bigger machine. Lovis stresses that there will always be jobs which are best left to people. Shots of biscuit loading bay: computer room; accounts forms.
Master spool number: 6HT/71148HA
Production number: 00525_4077
Videofinder number: 664
Available to public: no