This article attempts to provide a conceptual basis for design of a decision support system (DSS) for the human supervisory controller in computer-integrated manufacturing systems (CIMSs) that acknowledges human cognitive abilities and limitations as well as the unique features of the CIMS environment. Issues related to information overload and to DSS design that are considered relevant to the CIMS environment are first examined. Utilizing a vertical/on-line/horizontal model of information flow within the CIMS, a conceptual basis for DSS design is then provided that considers the demands of the CIMS and the abilities of the human to meet those demands. Examples are provided to illustrate the proposed ideas underlying DSS design.