The profusion of available and advancing electronic control technology poses problems of timing and choice for both the user and designer. The author discusses these dilemmas.

Material Requirements Planning systems are complex and sophisticated and can bring about great changes; they have much to offer manufacturing industry but must be carefully implemented.

Under‐resourcing is a common situation in both major plant projects and computer control systems. In the latter case this may have particularly serious and long term effects. Adequate resourcing throughout the life of a computer system is vital.