Micro-computers can greatly influence the cost-effective use made of all civil engineering resources to ensure that the optimum cost benefits are achieved from the project work implemented. The four main criteria involved are management, administration, finance and technical matters with the latter including planning, design, construction, and maintenance.

Choice of suitable hardware and development of meaningful software require considerable thought and care in the initial stages of database and information systems if they are to effectively achieve the objectives set. Equally important are quality control over the input of data and the presentation of output in a format which will achieve maximum impact. The procedures and systems must be user-friendly if they are to be used as intended, and flexible to accommodate improvements, updating, and other changes. Staff training and good house-keeping practices must also be implemented to ensure success.

This paper is a case study of the foregoing from identification of the problem or need, through research, selection, development, and implementation over the 1984/85 period. Its application and usefulness to organisations in the public and private sectors is unlimited.

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