A common scenario in both manufacturing and human-computer interaction is that of people linking independently-designed systems. People receive output from one system, modify it and then input it into the next system in the process. In computer systems, manual data entry tasks introduce the possibility of both human errors and delays. With increased automation and integration of computer systems, many of these human links can be eliminated. Removing the human link between independently-designed systems does not remove the user from the system network. Rather, it places the user in the role of exception processing, controlling, monitoring and responding to the overall network of systems. This new role brings with it the requirement for an expansion of user knowledge to include a complete understanding of the system network and skills for technical problem solving. It further requires that the system's design include appropriate means of notifying exception processors, a system administrator and management of system status and production volume. The appropriate combination of these components will make a substantial contribution toward the development of a successful integrated computer system.