Control of such systems needs to be thought out from the development and implementation stage. Once management is satisfied that the outputs of a system are guaranteed ie that it does what is required when it is required and in the form that is required, they must then review the controls within the system to ensure the accuracy and validity of the system, implementing further control measures, as appropriate, as things change. The science of robotics has developed for many years and this development looks set to continue. The level of automated production will continue to grow and the level of intelligence built into the automation seems certain to increase quite significantly. This presents a major opportunity for management accountants with the necessary knowledge of the technology to introduce and to direct the course of major investment projects of benefit to the industrial infrastructure.
Process automation is a good potential source of business for SMEs as well as larger companies.
The contribution of SMEs to the development of process automation has been publicly recognised by the European Commission, which has in recent years been providing funding for innovative products in this field. The development of integrated financial and management accounting software for use by businesses has already progressed a long way. By the year 2005, say, businesses will still need their internal professionals and external advisers, with qualifications, competence and experience in management, control and security issues, but in most cases software will do much if not all of the basic financial analysis, budgeting and cash flow forecasting. In many cases, software will also generate the information needed for use in more complex business planning. The need for conceptual understanding and practical skills Against this background, it is clear that there is a need for the rapid development of competence in the application of IT in general, and information security in particular, among general business managers.