It wasn't automated away in the 1980s and isn't being automated now. I have seen 4GLs and 5GLs come and go, all failing to meet their promise of improved productivity. I am also waiting for the promised systems "where you just give it your specs" and it gives you an application, or you just talk to the computer and it does what you want.

Both FBI gigaproject attempts to develop a Case Management system, and the BC Government Social Services Integrated Case Management system suggest that COTS and 5GLs still do not guarantee a viable system with a good user interface.

http://spectrum.ieee.org/riskfactor/computing/it/fbis-500-million-sentinel-case-management-system-still-has-major-operational-kinks-ig-reports

http://web.ist.utl.pt/~ist13085/fcsh/sio/casos/FBI.pdf

https://fipa.bc.ca/report-finds-b-c-governments-182-million-integrated-case-management-system-plagued-with-fundamental-deficiencies-4/

http://ihealth.islandhealth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Summary-of-Recommendations.pdf