AbstractFeasibility and economic aspects of on‐line systems in industry.Starting with a summary description of the principal practical aims, data are given on the magnitude of the resulting material to be dealt with and thus on the extent of the operation. After a comparison with the most important traditional aids, the advantages to be gained from new technology are shown, such as reduction of time losses, more favourable operational running costs, as well as more extensive possible combinations and more precise selection. The main requirements appear to be a knowledge of numerous sources of information and frequent, if possible daily, updating of data as well as thorough professional understanding. Because of the preponderance of literature references and smaller amount of direct data (factual data or hard facts) the main task in decision making and in supporting established decisions lies in relieving the qualified key staff of tedious and laborious literature searche