Information flow: Networking-H A L: Bangalore.

Abstract

The project titled "Information Flow - Networking" was carried out by R.Wellington, in LCA complex of Aircraft Design Bureau, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bangalore. The project was guided by Prof. Nagadevara, Faculty, IIMB and Mr. K.Ibrahim, Chief Manager (Design), HAL. The project is aimed at enhancing the communication in LCA complex of HAL. The various categories of information exchanged among the groups consists of letters, data, drawings and other types of messages. The communication is taking place by movement of persons. Personal computers (PCs) are already existing in the design groups. They have to be connected by a network so that communication can be established through the network. This requires a common server and at least one PC in each group should be attached to this server. The existing Local Area Network (LAN) in different groups of HAL are used mainly to have the common access of the disk to save storage space. The contents of this report is more relevant to the LCA complex, but it can be applied to other complexes as well. The number of letters and other messages being sent or received were collected for few groups. It was found that many of these transactions could be effectively carried out through the network. Discussions were held with various group heads and others to find out some of the existing issues which can be solved by networking. The discussions also lead to some issues which may arise due to networking. These issues and clarifications are mentioned in the report. In addition to mailing facility, many more features are available in the system. There are many advantages which can be obtained by adopting the network culture. Many new applications are also identified which can be added to the system. Once the system is in use, many more applications will evolve and the utilisation will increase. At present, all the user groups have PCs. However the Server, Network cards, Cabling etc. should be procured for networking. The financial implication is restricted in procuring the above and installing them. Adequate training should be given to a system administrator to handle the network. Training is also identified for the users at various levels in the management. ( i i i ) For the effective implementation of the network, the entire complex should be networked and simple activities should be introduced in the beginning. The usage should be observed and the problems identified and solved. Procedures should be established for new application and then introduced in the network. The new system will be successful, only if it is closely monitored and reviewed at regular intervals. With the introduction of this networking, it is expected that the information flow will be simpler and faster.