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DAVID CUTLER editor-publisher EDITORIAL

To yorr keyboards, you revolutionaries!

rrt HEN THE talk turns to computers and UU electronics, too many people turn and run. Computer phobia and a fear of the entire world of electronics hobble many who try to compete in today's unforgiving business environment. If you falt into the phobia class, don't head for the nearest exit. Take a deep breath and stay with us in this issue. Because, if you don't, you'll inevitably slip behind.

The inroads made by electronics in this business have been nothing short of amazing. It is no exaggeration to describe it as a revolution in operations and management areas. As if computers weren't remarkable enough, we're seeing Point of Sale inventory control, Electronic Data Interchange, faxes, voice mail and bar coding to name but a few revolutionary devices.

Computer software tracks lost railcars and calculates rates and costs in split seconds. Electronics allows customers to communicate with experts and other information sources by merely touching a computer screen. Most offices today, literally, couldn't function without computers. Accounts receivable, payable, pay checks, forms, the list goes on and on.

Like many of our everyday miracles that we so casually take for granted, computers and other electronic devices are fine as long as they work perfectly. But when they don't, watch out. They not only bring work to a halt, the crashes give the naysayers room to say "l told you so."

Forget them and their negative attitudes. The same types with the same jargon condemned cars as they replaced the horse and buggy. With electronics it isn't a maybe-someday-in-the-future thing. It's here now. lt's not going away and those who don't enthusiastically board the electronic bandwagon will be left so far behind they'll never catch up.