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ABSTRACT

Lack of efficient methods for thinking -through and recording the logic of complex information systems has been a major obstacle to the effective use of computers in manufacturing businesses. To supply this need, this paper introduces and describes "decision structure tables," the essential element in TABSOL, a tabular systems-oriented language developed in the General Electric Company. Decision structure tables can be used to describe complicated, multi-variable, multi-result decision systems. Various approaches to the automatic computer solution of structure tables are presented. Some benefits which have been observed in applying this language concept are also discussed. Decision structure tables appear broadly applicable in information systems design.

In addition, they are of interest because they revise many earlier notions on problem formulation and systems analysis technique. Decision structure tables will be an available feature in GECOM, General Electric's new General Compiler, which will be first implemented on the GE 225.