Technical Information Processing Systems

The evolution of Technical Information Processing Systems (TIPS) can be expected to continue in response to the technical, economic, and competitive needs of industry. New TIPS are needed to shorten project schedules, to integrate multi-discipline technological inputs, and to exploit computer hardware and software economically in the design process. Trends in computer software costs and prevailing rates of technological change will have significant effects on future educational needs and career goals. Computer terminals and software education are needed at the high school level, where academic as well as vocational careers are begun. Collegiate education should evolve to center more on the distinct roles that engineers, technicians, and programmers have in the engineering design process. It is increasingly clear that engineers have a special responsibility to communicate to educators a realistic assessment of future career roles in their industry.