This late 1960s film “Systems That Look Ahead” was produced by the General Electric Heavy Military Electronics department. The video discusses how GE utilized early integrated computer information processing for commercial value. A military engineer sketches on a drawing board, which then brightens as he turns to work on a circuit on his desk (0:06-0:27). Dot matrix printer pages roll by with the General Electric logo and title card. Artwork for an Atlas rocket is shown (0:28-0:60). Colorful computer punch cards are processed and stacked automatically versus a worker shown analyzing papers manually (1:01-1:14). Artistic shots show draftsmen, office workers, logistics workers, engineers, and accountants working against brightly colored backgrounds (1:32-1:56). An engineer completes detailed paperwork, and takes off his glasses in frustration (1:57-2:22). The steps to production and manufacturing are animated. An hourglass illustrates the passage of time in completing those steps (2:23-2:45). The requirements and overview of the new computer-based file system are shown on a whiteboard and flip chart. A quick overview of using integrated information processing techniques is shown. Vintage Tinker Toys and an illustrated cycle chart overview the process (2:46-4:24). An engineering card is explained while a secretary records information to it. An engineer works at his drawing board (4:25-5:19). Parts lists are printed by dot matrix printers, and magnetic tape computer reels are shown up-close spinning (5:20-5:41). Animations explain the process and efficiency attained by computer-based record keeping (5:42-6:20). Workers sit at desks writing reports and talking on the phone. Engineering cards are passed off to typists (6:21-7:28). A logistics worker unpacks a box and hands off a report for processing into punch cards by typists. A secretary sends her results via a teletype network (7:39-9:10). Cards are analyzed on the production floor where electrical testing is conducted and finished products are packed for shipping (9:21-10:13). An accountant manually tallies numbers by working through piles of papers, which are instantly replaced by computed results and the worker is free instead to discuss his analysis (10:28-10:56). Parts of an IMB computer are shown up-close (10:57-11:12). Draftsmen work on engineering designs. An employee is interviewed, takes training classes, undergoes performance reviews, does paperwork, and receives his weekly pay (11:12-12:18). An animated illustration of a punch card computer, its payroll management benefits, magnetic tape usage, and basic architecture is shown (12:19-14:48). An accountant works on manual bookkeeping, which is then shown being processed and printed by a computer (14:49-15:23). A business traveler sits and completes his expense reports (15:24-15:59). Lights shine in a crystal ball as the narrator says financial information systems are under development, using known data to forecast the future, and analyze inputs to give business suggestions (16:00-16:16). Shown on an IBM Data Processing System are light panels, control switches, and magnetic tape reels. A typewriter sends information to convert the design specifications to a Gardner Denver Wire-Wrap (16:17-17:01). The film ends by panning down a wall of IBM mainframe computers (17:02-17:34).

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com