Overcoming people problems in the switch to automated composition

When a documentation support function at a company switches to automated composition to lower costs or improve turnaround times, the people problems encountered can be far more difficult to solve than the technical problems of getting the equipment fully operational. To the uninitiated, automation represents a mystery at best and a threat at worst. An acute understanding of this fact by the key technical and management personnel responsible for the automated system is an important element in assuring the success of the transition process. Various types of people problems that can be encountered during a switch to automated composition are examined, and practical ways of alleviating those problems are described.