Management of Automatic Data Processing (ADP) System Documentation in the Department of Defense

One aspect of management of ADP Automated Data Processing in the Federal Government is system documentation. Good system documentation is the backbone to the success of any automated system, for only through complete and thorough documentation can the user fully understand and utilize a systems capability. The system reviewed is the Naval Air Logistics Command Management Information System NALCOMIS. The review is approached from the users aspect. The review of this system involves the level of ability required for the user to understand and properly use the functionality provided by the system, the documentation requirements, and the problems associated with the users interface to the system. Many problems exist with computer manuals that contained an inappropriate level of technical detail, style, format, and content. This review will demonstrate the positive and negative aspects of the user documentation and recommendations or suggestions to improve the documentation for the users benefit.