General information and principles regarding the automation of medical examiner and coroner offices are presented. Topics discussed include the importance of using available resource groups, questions that should be answered to determine the need for automation, the importance of specifically defining office needs and goals prior to automation, the value of capturing data in multiple ways, the importance of maintaining some hardcopy files, the value of ensuring capability to modify and enlarge the computer system, the need to tailor systems to the needs of specific offices, possibilities for generating money or acquiring equipment at little or no cost, the use of personal computers and commercially available software, the value of having all operations inhouse, transition to new operating systems and environments, and the foreseeable use of emerging technologies.