Originally published:1982-12 as Discussion paper (Lincoln College (University of Canterbury). Agricultural and Economics Research Unit) ; no. 66 by Lincoln College. Agricultural and Economics Research Unit.
Recent years have seen a major revolution in the world of
electronics. Computers have increased in size and capability and at
the same time decreased in cost. Equally as important, communication
systems have improved, though not yet to the same extent as computers,
and will continue to do so.
In contrast, the cost of providing farmers with information
that is constantly updated using traditional methods is increasing.
Similarly, the increasing cost of transport and personnel costs means
marketing costs using traditional auction and contract arrangements
continue to increase. To counteract these cost problems the
agricultural sector is expressing considerable interest in the
potential for replacing traditional information and marketing systems
with computer based operations.
To satisfy this demand for information this paper contains a
review of the alternative systems available. The different types of
systems available are defined and their advantages and disadvantages
listed. Probably more importantly, considerable attention is paid to
design details and practical questions which, in the end, will
determine whether the promise of cost economies are in fact achieved.
Finally, an argument is presented that for the success of
electronic systems it is essential to have national integration
through a cooperative communication system in contrast to government
domination on the one hand or complete independence of competing
systems on the other.[Show full abstract]
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