Since the volume of data generated by a social service program has become so great, an automated system is required to provide the security, efficiency, and reliability essential to meeting the needs of the people. Increasingly complex governmental regulations further the usefulness of automation. A computer system must be able to handle large masses of data efficiently, detect abuse of the system and probable user error, and keep current, accurate information about all aspects of the social service program. An online system for the maintenance of information is ideally suited to handling these conditions. South Carolina has developed a Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) that effectively meets all these requirements.

It may seem unusual for a division of Clemson University to be designing and implementing a Medicaid system for the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). The charter of the Division of Information Systems Development of Clemson University (DISD), however, is to handle statesupported contracts. DSS does not have the staff to develop or produce a certifiable Medicaid system of such a large scale, so South Carolina's MMIS is a cooperative effort.