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.