Going on computer may be the toughest job a remodeling contractor ever does. In order to make a conversion within a year, a company will need to make a major shakeup. This does not mean it will take a year to start using the computer for one function such as estimating, accounting, or word processing. The total conversion process will not be accomplished in a short period with little effort. A contractor in Indiana recently said he wished someone had warned him about how tough it was going to be. With an annual volume of more than $500,000 and a good staff in place he still had fear. For effective use of the computer in a remodeling business, a complete change in methods of doing business usually is required. All management staff must get involved. Changes may include pre-selecting and standardizing products and systems, developing specifications, changing the estimating system, and requiring more detailed information on time card. The list goes on and On. Without the support and active leadership of top management, this process, in all likelihood, will be fought by employees and will fail. It is true that a computer can save money by stepping up the speed of estimating and making job costing, bookkeeping, and accounting more efficient. Word processing will certainly reduce time in typing contracts, writing letters, and so on. Still, most companies do not save money using the computer. Once they have mastered the basic computer operation, they become so enthralled with its ability to do other things they never considered when it was purchased. The computer business is changing so fast that a company on computer will want to spend money on the latest hardware, newest software, and so on. That is the bad news. The good news is that the computer simply revolutionizes the company's ability to manage and innovate. The change in management methods, the ability to use numbers, and other new capabilities provide greater control over the company and allow it to grow and make more money. According to the passage, a complete conversion can take______.