Abstract: A distributed office automation system includes workstations and support stations which are interconnected via a network and which make use of the functionality of one another by subcontracting tasks. Various function modules are available in the system for numerous tasks and the system provides a distributed organization structure in which it is always clear what function module is required to perform a specifc task. Each of the stations is provided with a coordination unit which is continually aware of the state of the total system and which designates the required function module.