TEXT B Going on computer
may be the toughest job a remodeling contractor ever does. In order to make a
conversion within a year, a company will need to make a major shakeup. This does
not mean it will take a year to start using the computer for one function such
as estimating, accounting, or word processing. The total conversion process will
not be accomplished in a short period with little effort. A contractor in
Indiana recently said he wished someone had warned him about how tough it was
going to be. With an annual volume of more than $ 500,000 and a good staff in
place he still had fear. For effective use of the computer in a
remodeling business, a complete change in methods of doing business usually is
required. All management staff must get involved. Changes may include
pre-selecting and standardizing products and systems. Developing specifications,
changing the estimating system, and requiring more detailed information on time
card. The list goes on and on. Without the support and active leadership of top
management, this process, in all likelihood, will be fought by employees and
will fail. It is true that as computer can save money by
stepping up the speed of estimating and making job costing, bookkeeping, and
accounting more efficient. Word processing will certainly reduce time in typing
contracts, writing letters, and so on. Still, most companies do not save money
using the computer. Once they have mastered the basic computer operation, they
become so enthralled with its ability to do other things they never considered
when it was purchased. The computer business is changing so
fast that a company on computer will want to spend money on the latest hardware,
newest software, and so on. That is the bad news. The good news is that the
computer simply revolutionizes the company’s ability to manage and innovate. The
change in management methods, the ability to use numbers, and other new
capabilities provide greater control over the company and allow it to grow and
make more money. The author seems to feel that most companies______.
A．will be on computers within five years. B．lose money whenever the computers go down. C．have trouble making the conversion to computers. D．do not save money by using the computer.