text: what is 'office automation' & what is it's importance in an office?   the integration of office information functions, including word processing, data processing, graphics, desktop publishing and e-mail.  all office functions, including dictation, typing, filing, copying, fax, telex, microfilm and records management, telephone and telephone switchboard operations, fall into this category.  as you see, automation's functions, i am sure that you can see the importance of it in an office. i would suggest that email and internet research and so forth would fall into this category as well. it makes the job more effiecient therfore more cost effective