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In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the management of office automation in the Federal Government.

The four agencies GAO reviewed are not reaping the maximum benefits or productivity gains from office automation because they lack strong central management. The agencies are now encountering the same problems successful private companies have tried to avoid. These problems are likely to grow as these agencies expand their office automation efforts. Strong central management can be achieved by these agencies if they take advantage of the Paperwork Reduction Act's information management requirements. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the General Services Administration, and the National Bureau of Standards are responsible for helping agencies obtain the maximum benefit from office automation. However, these agencies have not provided adequate leadership and guidance which has often resulted in the development of office automation systems which duplicate existing systems, are not compatible with other systems, and are not cost effective.