A value model ties these influencing factors together, i.e., to create a 
homologous entity. Quality of the value model should properly reflect the 
aim of the evaluation. Information about the systems to be evaluated need 
not be more detailed than the model can comprehend. Thus the value model 
and the corresponding input (information) should be mutually balanced. 
Evaluation method can be rudimentary, intermediate or fine. Rudimentary 
evaulation is adequate for preselection of the potential system variants 
the latter to be subjected to a finer evaluation. Multiple factor method, 
benefit/cost analysis, cost/efficiency analysis, or only a benefit 
analysis are commonly used. 
Comparative evaluation addresses system (or sub-system) capabilities, 
operational characteristics, product quality, and support 
characteristics. 
System capabilities pertain to versatility, flexibility, modularity, 
compatibility (internal, external), expandibility, etc. 
. Operational characteristics refer to production rates, ease of opera- 
tion, reliability (in operation) and downtime, etc. 
. Product quality can be defined by accuracy, fidelity, reliability, ease 
of analysis, appearance, degree of conditioning for further use, etc. 
Support characteristics concern the required internal support 
(equipment, software, personnel) and the methods and means provided 
from outside (e.g., by vendors). 
VII IMPACTS OF ADVANCED INTEGRATED SYSTEMS 
The introduction of advanced integrated systems in a production environ- 
ment promotes changes in the state-of-the art, institutional and human 
environments, and it influences internal and external compatibility and 
the required support. 
Impact on the state-of-the art environments revealed in the information 
production, updating and upgrading (methods, means, materials); data base 
management, processing and presentation; interactive and automatic 
operations; communication networks (internal, external); and in the uses 
of a data base. 
Impact on the institutional and human environments implies changes in the 
disciplines involved (computer science, electronics, etc) in organisa- 
tional structure (in general and of departments), and in personnel 
(upgrading and new skills). 
Impact on compatibility is shown in the consistency of methods, means, 
procedures, data base (structures, codes, formats, transfer rates, sym- 
bols, appearance, semantic consistency, etc.), quality assessment and 
support. 
Impact on support is twofold: internal and external. Internal support 
(capability provided inside the organisation) concerns equipment 
(maintenance, documentation), software (changes, expansion, 
documentation), training facilities, and management (planning, coordina- 
tion, reviewing, communication, and documentation). External support, to 
be provided from outside, concerns equipment and software (as internal), 
education and training. 
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