Comment: Flow-injection analysis—The end of the beginning? Segmented-flow analysis— The beginning of the end?

Are we making the best use of laboratory computer systems? In this first issue of the 1983 volume of the Journal of Automatic Chemistry we can look back on a very successful first year with our new publisher, Taylor & Francis Ltd. Their experience in scientific publishing has been of considerable value to me and the editorial team. We now have a well-produced, accepted and well-presented product. In 1983 we hope to build on this foundation and increase the readership still further. In some senses 1982 was a transition year. Many people will have had subscriptions based on a four-issue basis rather than an annual basis. In 1982 this has been rationalized and all subscriptions are now on an annual basis. In 1982 much of our editorial matter centred on the use of computers in the laboratory, be it clinical or industrial. The application of computers is a very difficult subject to deal with adequately since the range ofexperience within the readership is so diverse. What is commonplace for one group is beyond the experience of many others. However, we have attempted in our editorial policy to cater for this and to present detailed examples ofpractical applications. We will continue to pursue this policy. Should any reader have specific problems relating to interfacing and developing software, we will endeavour to answer such questions in our pages. Within the editorial team we. have a wealth ofpractical experience in applications and in the teaching aspects involved. Despite the fact that computers and microcomputers are becoming commonpl.ace in our lives, we continue to hear stories ofdifficulties being experienced implementing computer systems or, indeed, abject failures of systems installed to meet specific needs. In a guest editorial in the Journal of Clinical Laboratory Automation (ol. 2, No. 6) Professor D. M. Block summarizes a series of failures, for a variety of reasons, and warns us to be extremely wary ofthe so-called 'expert computer consultant'. He tells us 'Be wary of those who teach the art and science of laboratory computing' and, when we are told something by these experts, to question upon what actual personal experience of laboratory computing they are basing their opinions. These are wise words indeed. However, what Professor Block does not suggest is an alternative approach which does not cause so many problems. Having been through the various stages of defining, specifying , and implementing a laboratory system, can perhaps …