Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-3-1004

(1) Through the data processing section, the commissioner shall make available such electronic and mechanical equipment as is required for the central handling of accounting, statistical and engineering operations of the state.

(2) The services of the section shall be available to state agencies under a general plan prepared by the commissioner, and it is expressly provided that where existing accounting, payroll and statistical services can be converted to mechanical handling, the commissioner is authorized to make such conversions.