There are many good reasons for law enforcement agencies to automate: expanded data storage, improved speed in searching records, ability to use data by more units of the agency, improved productivity, and greater responsiveness to information requests, both internal and external to the agency. However, there are bad reasons which include automating because everyone else is, to save money, or to solve all of the agency's problems. Some problems involving computer equipment that could be avoided are incompatibility with software and personnel, buying outdated computers in close out or clearance sales, or picking the wrong computer for the job. Software can occasionally be the cause of further problems such as no provision of support, the inflexibility of programs, and performance problems. When exploring unfamiliar territory, it is best to rely on the experiences of the past to help guide an agency through the potential problems resulting from unrealistic reasons for automation, inappropriate equipment selection, or inadequate software acquisition.