The intergrationof computerized systems with design, production control, and inventory control at the Metzingen cloth mill of Gaenslen and Volter is described. The company uses an IBM AS/400 central processing system in its design and production departments. Designers work on the personal computer workstations, which are linked to the IBM a.s400; they can store, retrieve, and develop design patterns on their personal computers. The central computer is also linked to the looms and other production equipment; all centralized production control and production planning activities are conducted with the IBM AS/400. Inventory tracking in the yarn warehouse is also accomplished on this system. The IBM AS/400 Model B10 is used to track finished and unfinished goods stored in a nearby,multi-story warehouse.