In general, definitely. But it was only done for critical/high value tasks that either weren't feasible to do any other way or the cost savings from labor elim

In general, definitely. But it was only done for critical/high value tasks that either weren't feasible to do any other way or the cost savings from labor elimination made it cost effective. As recently as the 80's businesses typically weren't frivolous with computer purchases... that changed in the mid-to-late 90's.