The Business Benefits of PC Office Systems and End-user Computing at Glaxo Pharmaceuticals 1984–88

Since 1984, Glaxo Pharmaceuticals has seen a dramatic expansion in the use of desktop personal computers. The use of these machines for spreadsheet modelling and data analysis, databases, graphics, wordprocessing, project planning and statistical analysis, computer-based training and expert systems has transformed the nature of computing within the company and provided a platform for significant new co-processing developments. Over 1,300 personal computers have been installed in the company's four sites, providing a range of business benefits in terms of improved efficiency and effectiveness. Case studies of how these benefits have been provided are described, and a number of key issues for managing such change are discussed.