INTRODUCTION

          Automating Records Services outlines the issues involved with using information technologies to manage records and archives services.  The information provided in the module applies most directly to records management systems in organizational settings, but the guidelines offered are also applicable to the automation of systems in an archival institution, including the computerization of administrative records, accession documentation and finding aids.  The module applies to individuals responsible for the administration of records in the originating office or after transfer to a records management operation.  The information provided in this module applies equally to records offices, records Centre’s or archival institutions, depending on their particular needs.

This module explores the advantages that computerization brings to record-keeping work and how various actions are critical to efficient automation, including business systems analysis, advance planning and cost-benefit analysis, assessment of automation options prior to selection, implementation and evaluation of computer technologies.  The research focus on identifying the best application of technology to accomplish records and archives management objectives, not simply to automate existing functions.

This module is composed of objectives that systematically follow the steps to be taken in an automation project.  Firstly discusses the need to conduct a systems analysis of current records and archives functions to evaluate the feasibility of automation.  It also examines the importance of good planning in advance of the implementation of automated systems.  Secondly, outlines the establishment of requirements and the purchase of any automated system.

Thirdly, discusses implementation issues, including staff training and evaluation.  Fourthly, examines data structures, standards and values and explains the importance of in data entry for efficient operations.  Fifthly, examines processes and problems surrounding digitization as a means of preservation and access.  Lastly, set priorities for automating records systems and identifies sources for additional information on the topic of automation.

          Automating Records Services should be done in conjunction with several other modules in this study programme.  This module is not an introduction to the concepts, principals and applications of records management, although these are referred to throughout the research.  An introduction to these principles can be found in the core modules in this study programme.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS

With the advances in information management, small and medium entrepreneurs must employ computer solutions to the daily running of their businesses. Hence the need to develop Automated Record Management for Laundry management system, this will enable record keeping for all Laundry Records, customer information and distributions of cloths to various consumers. Hence there is always problems of : -

 - Customer’s cloths are been mismatched meaning cloths of Mr. Aliyu is been mistakenly given to Mr. Isah

- It is very difficult to ascertain the statement of the Laundry management easily

- It is easy for the Laundry personnel’s to corner customer’s cloth and give them to another customer for some purposes.

- Generation of report is always a problem in the laundry management system  of the existing system in place.

     AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of the research project are to design and implement computer program, which would assist Laundry Record Management System, in anywhere in the world.

          The objective for embarking on this research project is to find solution to the problems facing Laundry Record Management System, in anywhere in the world. system processes: -

i.        To design and implement an Automated Laundry Management System.

ii.       To eliminate manual cataloging of clothes.

iii.      To eliminate manual searching for customer’s clothes.

iv.      To eliminate such error as misplaced/miscataloged clothes.

v.       Reporting of any missing or late clothes.

vi.      To produce a system that must be safe for end users.

vii.     To have manual backup if the system fails.