3 System resources 
The resources include hardware, software, data base, materials, energy 
and operators. In the following consideration is given only to hardware 
and software. Data bases are dealt with separately in section 11.3, 
operators are considered in section III.6 (on interactive operations), 
whereas materials and energy are bypassed here (though they should be 
compatible). 
3.1 Hardware 
Hardware can be structured according to process stages, lay-out of com- 
ponents and functions. 
— The main process stages are collection, processing and presentation of 
information. Each of these is phased into preparation, main process and 
post-process; quality control is involved in all phases. 
- The lay-out of the components and the corresponding (local area) com- 
munication network, thus forming the system architecture, can be 
serial, parallel, central, disributed or fragmented. 
— The basic functions are sensing, processing and control, which can be 
performed interactively or by automatic means. 
3.2 Software 
Software can be structured according to the system functions, control 
functions and the process stages. 
- According to the system functions, a distinction can be made between 
operating system, application software and service programs. Each of 
these can be differentiated further. 
- The control functions pertain to input and output, communication, in- 
teractive and automatic operations, and to the support sub-system. 
- The main process stages are as stated under 3.1. 
  
4 Interactive operations 
Interactive operations and the corresponding human factors concern the 
system components, methods and means, and the operator's tasks. 
- The main system components are analogue, digital and human operators. 
Their functioning is strongly interactive. 
- The means for man-machine interaction comprise the hardware and 
software for display and observation, control agents, control panels 
and switches, data tablets, graph-image overlay facility, etc. 
— Operator's tasks are . preceptual (visual, audible), processing 
(extraction, verification, editing), and control (tracking, 
measurement). 
5 Human factors 
Human factors are involved in operation and support. Ease of operation 
should be provided for all devices and operations in each production 
line, including quality control. 
6 Support 
Support is required for all system components. It addresses checkout, 
testing and calibration, maintenance and repair, spare parts and replace- 
ment, upgrading and expansion, training, instruction manuals, etc. 
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