Managers responsible for personal data held on computer need to be aware of and comply with the terms of the Data Protection Act 1984. Registration and compliance with the eight data protection principles are essential requirements. The role of the Registrar in ensuring enforcement of the Act is...

In 1986 Union Carbide introduced a barcode‐oriented and data collection system into their US operation. It replaced time‐consuming, error‐prone manual administrative methods. It integrated well with the existing computer system and was accepted by staff. Significant cost savings were made...

A guide to assist people along the path of software package selection, helping them avoid the pitfalls (including over‐enthusiastic salesmen) is presented. Guidelines to follow are: make sure that what you intend doing is compatible with your company′s strategic goals and plans; conduct a...

The article strongly advocates the need for management to rethink their attitudes to CIM: traditional strategic thinking and traditional costing and accounting systems are not a realistic means of evaluating it.

A revolutionary computer system using a system of colour coding to give information about production in a garment factory is described. Colour‐backing of items indicates: late, becoming late, on time and progress, materials not yet available. These relate to customer, product, promised...

The case is argued for a coherent, conceptual framework for operations management practice, system design and education. The framework described here is concise. It is defined by eight tenets which are individually reinforced by practical examples. The set is central to the philosophy of CIM and...

Three changes in the rules used to control a manufacturing unit, which were suggested by simple control engineering concepts, have been examined. A model of an actual make‐for‐stock shop, driven by real order time‐series, was used to examine the impact of the rule changes on a production...

Information technology companies are having to broaden their overall strategic view in deference to the premise that it is better to be market‐driven than technology‐led. Cost and technical performance are o longer the only considerations, as quality and service now demand equal recognition....

Implementation is a key process in the effective development of Advanced Manufacturing Systems. Specifically, implementation should not be confused with installation of the technology for it involves change in companies on a much wider front than mere technological change. Change has to be...