Fourth generation languages and integrated information systems for small manufacturing companies

In 1982, as part of a major research project, a study was carried out into the use of computers in production management in small companies. This was followed by collaboration with a number of organisations. This collaboration included the evaluation of particular potential areas for computer applications, feasibility study, detailed systems design and in most cases software development. In turn, a second project was funded to examine how fourth generation languages (4GLs) could contribute to the development of integrated production information systems. This paper reports the results of the study designed to compare the situation with respect to production management computer usage in small companies six years on, to identify some of the contributions 4GLs operating with relational databases could bring in this context, and to establish those facets of the area most likely to benefit from this development.