Design of a conceptual information system for industrial engineering applications in a manufacturing organization

The purpose of this study was to develop a tool which would assist managers in a manufacturing organization to optimize their company's operations. These operations have been identified and functionally categorized into four major areas: finance, marketing, personnel, and production.

A survey of relevant literature substantiated that complete information is essential in order to optimally manage operations. This survey also indicated that the most used tool to provide this information is the management information system. These systems, however, have fallen short of the ultimate goal of systems design— optimization of management.

This study proposes the incorporation of industrial engineering techniques in manufacturing information systems to overcome that shortcoming. Industrial engineers have the experience and expertise to better design management information systems so that they satisfy all criteria for their development and usage.

A conceptual model of such a system has been developed in this study. The model is based upon the integrated needs of the functional managers, the industrial engineering techniques required to meet those needs, and the necessary data for implementing the techniques.