Data man@ement requirements for large scale desi@n and production Malcolm Atklnson & Neil Wiseman Introduction The paper sets out to clarify and expose the differences and similarities between ~le data organisation requirements in two ranges of computer activity. These are computing in administration and computing in design. In both cases the man and machine &ynergy is supported by large bodies of data, so that we may expect the activities to be comparable. From this comparison we identify the problems particular to supporting the design activity and suggest approaches to these problems. This achieves a framework in which more precise discussions of the particular problems and their solutions may take place. Categorising Systems Before comparing two idealised and representative systems we must identify the class of system which each represents. This is d~ne by considering the intended princple use of the system rather than any physical or performance properties. These other properties might suggest a quite different clustering of systems, but identification by intended use is assumed to be useful and meaningful. The two areas of intended use are: administration and design. A precise definition of these areas is elusive and we rely on an intuitive understanding sharpened by
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