Nature of the Work:
Computer and peripheral equipment operators oversee the operation of computer hardware systems. They must ensure that these expensive machines are used as efficiently as possible. This includes anticipating problems before they occur and taking preventive action as well as solving problems that do occur.
The duties of computer and peripheral equipment operators vary with the size of the installation, the type of equipment used, and the policies of the employer. In organizations with small computer systems, for example, computer operators run both the computer and all the peripheral equipment such as printers, disk drives, and tape readers. In large computer installations, computer operators specialize in console operation while peripheral equipment operators run the related devices. Generally, the duties of computer operators and peripheral equipment operators involve the following tasks.
Working from operating instructions prepared by programmers or operations managers, computer operators set controls on the computer and on peripheral devices required to run a particular job. Computer operators or, in large installations, peripheral equipment operators load the equipment with tapes, disks, and paper as needed. While the computer is running, which may be 24 hours a day for large computers; computer operators monitor the computer console and respond to operating and computer messages. If an error message occurs, operators must locate the problem and solve it or terminate the program.
Peripheral equipment operators may have to prepare printouts and other output for distribution to computer users. Operators also maintain log books listing events such as machine malfunctions that occurred during their shift. In addition, computer operators may supervise and train peripheral equipment operators and computer operator trainees. They also may help programmers and systems analysts test and debug new programs.
As the trend toward networking, making connections between computers accelerates, a growing number of these workers are operating personal and minicomputers. More and more establishments are realizing the need to connect all their computers in order to enhance productivity. In many offices, factories, and other work settings, minicomputers and personal computers serve as the center of such networks, often referred to as local area networks or multiuser systems. While some of these computers are operated by users in the area, many require the services of full-time operators. The tasks performed are very similar to those performed on the larger computers.
As organizations continue to use computers in more areas of operation, they are also realizing opportunities to increase the productivity of computer operations. Automation, which traditionally has been the application of computer technology to other functional areas of an organization, is now reaching the computer room. Programs now exist that enable the computer to perform some of the more routine tasks formerly done by computer operators. For example, scheduling, loading and downloading programs, and running periodic reports can be done automatically without the intervention of the operator. In addition, the computer can respond to common error messages and reroute those that need an operator's special attention. These improvements free operators for more important tasks, like solving complex error messages, troubleshooting, or general monitoring of the system.
Working Conditions:
Computer operating personnel work in well-lighted, well-ventilated, and generally comfortable rooms. Since many organizations use their computers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, computer and peripheral equipment operators may be required to work evening or night shifts and weekends. Shift assignments generally are made on the basis of seniority. Automated operations will lessen the need for shift work because the computer will be able to take over its own operations during the less desirable working hours.
Employment:
Jobs for computer and peripheral equipment operators are found in almost every industry, most are in wholesale trade establishments; manufacturing companies; data processing service firms; banks; government agencies; and accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping service firms. These organizations have data processing needs that require large computer installations. A few computer and peripheral equipment operators' works part time.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Previous work experience is the key to landing an operator job in many large establishments. These employers look for specific, hands-on experience on the type of equipment and related operating systems that they use. A bachelor's degree in computer science or data processing may be required by some of the largest firms. Smaller organizations may be more willing to provide informal training because their computer systems are not as expensive. In these smaller shops, education may be substituted for experience to some extent. A high school diploma and some college or business school training are usually required for entry level positions. Training is also offered in the military services and by some computer manufacturers.
Workers usually receive some on-the-job training to become acquainted with their employer's equipment and routines. The length of training varies with the job and the experience of the worker. New peripheral equipment operators are expected to learn their jobs in a few weeks. Computer operators with prior experience or training are expected to learn their employer's system also within a few weeks.
Since computer technology changes so rapidly, operators must be adaptable and willing to learn. For example, more formal education or training will be required for an operator to supervise an automated data center. Greater analytical and technical expertise will be needed to deal with the higher level problems that the computer is not programmed to handle.
Computer and peripheral equipment operators must be able to communicate well in order to work effectively with programmers and each other. Computer operators also must be able to work independently because they may have little or no super-vision.
A few computer operators may advance to supervisory jobs. Peripheral equipment operators may become computer operators. Through on-the-job experience and additional formal education, some computer and peripheral equipment operators advance to jobs as programmers.
Job Outlook:
Employment of computer and peripheral equipment operators is expected to rise faster than the average for all occupations through the year. In addition to jobs resulting from growth in demand for operators, many openings will arise from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Advances in technology have reduced both the size and the cost of computer equipment while at the same time increasing their capacity for data storage and processing. These improvements in technology have fueled an expansion in the use of computers in such areas as factory and office automation, telecommunications, medicine, and education. As computer usage and the amount of information to be processed grow, the need for computer operators and peripheral equipment operators will also grow. But because computer and peripheral equipment operators work mainly with large computer systems, the part of the overall computer market that has slowed down employment of operators is not expected to rise as rapidly as in previous years.
As the benefits of automating computer operations become more recognized, the number of new operator positions in growing data centers will decline. Operators who are displaced by automation may be reassigned to support staffs assisting other members of the organization. Others may be retrained to perform different job duties such as supervising an entire operations center, maintaining automation packages, and analyzing computer operations to recommend ways to increase productivity.
Related Occupations:
Other occupations involving work with computers include systems analysts, programmers, and computer service technicians. Other occupations in which workers operate electronic office equipment include data entry keyers, secretaries, typists, and typesetters and compositors.
