AI & Soc (1996) 10:26-38 © 1996 Springer-Verlag London Limited AI & SOCl ETY Information Tools for the Shop-floor Jyrki J.J. Kasvi, Matti Vartiainen, Anneli Pulkkis and Marko Nieminen Helsinki University of Technology, Laboratory of Industrial psychology, Espoo, Finland Abstract: New production and work practices set new proficiency requirements for employees in operative organisations. Most of these requirements involve information and com- munication. We can train and educate people to meet with these challenges and design their physical and information environments to support and facilitate them in their work. New information tools play a central role in this development. But what kind of tools? How to apply these tools to enhance employees' learning by reflection. In this article we will discuss the emergency of shop-floor information environment from the sociotechnical point of view. In addition, the possibilities and limitations of electronic performance support as a solution axe evaluated. Shop-floor information artifacts are tools used to produce, organise, store and distribute work related information in a shop-floor environment. They may be very simple like handwritten notes or user interfaces to extremely complex data management systems. Keywords: Performance support; Electronic performance support systems; Human resource development; Multimedia; Flexible production; Learning organisation 1. Interactive Task Support System We have developed an information technological tool to study the possibilities and limitations of multimedia based performance support on the shop-floor. The aim of the Interactive Task Support System (ITSS) is to provide all the task related information needed during the completion of a lightweight assembly task (Kasvi 1991, 1993; Kasvi et al. 1993, 1994; Ollikainen 1989; Ollikainen and Pulkkis 1989; Ollikainen et al. 1991). These documents can be used both to train inexperienced employees or to support experienced assembIers in their work.