Keystrokes

by David Koch, managing editor
Today's Computers, April 1985

David Koch, managing editor, Today's Computers

The big Australian, BHP, has undergone a metamorphosis in the past three years. The company that led the industrialisation of this country with enormous manufacturing operations ranging from steel to ship-building, iron and coal-mining has seen a revolution in the search for greater efficiency.

BHP, once the pride of Australian industry, fell from grace simply through a failure, to keep up with the times. It was the natural lethargy in large successful corporations, which tend to rest on their laurels and produce a management structure that discourages enterprise and change.

But a series of events shook BHP out of its lethargy. First, the steel division, its traditional pride and joy, endured a world-wide downturn the size of which had never been seen before. Second, BHP, like all Australian companies, had to fight its way through one of the worst recessions since the Great Depression. Finally, and probably most importantly, the myth of BHP being too big to be touched by takeover was shattered by Robert Holmes a Court. The West Australian business dynamo captured not only 5 percent of BHP stock but also the imagination of BHP shareholders and the investing public — he also shook BHP management into the 1980s.

BHP's massive re-organisation in response to these factors has been well publicised — massive retrenchments and increased capital expenditure in its steel-making division, re-organisation of its management structure, and diversification from its traditional base. BHP is now a leaner and hungrier company that is proving to be a model for the Australian business community.

But an integral part of the changes has gone unpublicised — how the introduction of personal computers has improved the efficiency of BHP's communication and organisation. This month, editor Graeme Kemlo reveals this secret success story.

Although BHP was slow to recognise the benefits of personal computers, when it did move into the area it welcomed the change in technology with great enthusiasm. Kemlo talks to the team that brought personal computers to BHP and chronicles the methods, organisation and problems associated with the move. One of the driving forces of that team was Lloyd Borrett, who is now a regular contributor and columnist for Today's Computers. He brings a wealth of practical business experience to technology changes within industry.