Using the I.S. as a (dis)organization gauge

An application to the garment industry

 

Pedro Mendes

Department of Engineering and Management, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal

Email: p.mendes@ieee.org

 

Pedro Araújo

Department of Computer Science, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal

Email: paraujo@di.ubi.pt

Keywords:        information systems, value justification, real time production monitoring systems

Abstract:     The textile and garment industry in Portugal is undergoing some struggles. In their origin is a lack of organization of many companies. This situation, together with an increasing dynamics of the products and the markets, considerably complicates decision-making and information systems can be a precious aid. But contrary to academics, managers must be shown evidence of the advantages of using information technology. So, to help attain this objective, we propose the definition of an index quantifying the level of disorganization of the productive sector of the company. Continuously using the information system to monitor this index allows managers to improve the performance of the company's operations.