ABSTRACT
Major investments in computer aids need the endorsement of a key line manager—general manager, plant manager, or administrative or divisional executive. Acquiring, installing, and de-bugging computer aids is a time-consuming, risky process. Maintenance contracts should be taken on all computer aids--both hardware and software. Most computer systems are learned by informal, word-of-mouth explanations. Managers should make it known, in advance, that each significant investment in computer aids will be audited, to see if the investment was warranted. Managers should make it known, in advance, that each significant investment in computer aids will be audited, to see if the investment was warranted. On major projects, those conducting the audit should be independent of the team that developed or installed the computer system in question. Internally developed computer aids often have none. And the most poorly documented program may be one of the facilities planner’s own--developed in haste on his personal computer.
