Factory information provision using hypermedia

A hypermedia system permits the user to have access to a wide range of stor ed information, in a fully structured manner. While this technology is now widely accepted in education and related fields, it has not as yet been ful ly exploited within manufacturing industry. This paper shows that, by using an open hypermedia system, a common resource base can be used for a range of activities including training, maintenance, and diagnostics. This approa ch to information management is illustrated by the development of a large-s cale hypermedia information system for Pirelli Cables Ltd, Aberdare, South Wales. The paper concludes by identifying future developments, including ad vanced user interfaces, access to remote information resources, and real ti me diagnostics, that will further enhance this approach to an integrated in formation provision within the industrial environment.