Abstract
When properly applied, statistical tools are an effective way for improving process quality. Although training on statistical process control (SPC) is increasing, unfortunately it is likely to find examples where the SPC implementation does not lead to any kind of process improvement. In fact, SPC implementation is not a simple and automatic task. Frequently the blind use of these tools causes more perplexity than value. The availability of statistical software together with the pressure for ISO 9000 registration can partially explain this situation. In this paper, the basic principles of some statistical tools are clarified, and a case-study from a ferrous castings foundry is presented, describing a situation in which the traditional inference SPC tools are not recommended. Alternatively, graphical aids are applied in order to support process management decisions.

Abstract
This paper reports the activities of the ECOOP'99Workshop on Interactive System Design with Object Models (WISDOM'99). The paper presents the workshop rational, format, the discussion framework and its four identified issues: architecture, process, notation and traceability. The results of the workshop are proposals for a meta-architecture to develop interactive systems, an user-centered software development process framework, some comments on notation issues and finally a traceability model of user interface design. Furthermore this paper contains abstracts of all position papers presented at the workshop.

Abstract
This paper describes an application of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to the performance assessment of Portuguese bank branches. The analysis shows how DEA can complement the profitability measure currently used at the bank. The use of an efficiency-profitability matrix enabled the characterisation of the branches' performance profile. Consistent with the bank's development objectives, the analysis focused on the relation between branch size and performance. Two alternative target setting strategies were explored. One eliminates pure technical inefficiencies by focusing on the selection of appropriate benchmarks. The other attains the branches' most productive scale size through the elimination of scale inefficiencies, with minimal changes to branches' scale size.

Abstract
This paper presents an overview of a visual and interactive warehouse simulator developed with Visual C++ for Windows95/NT operating system. This simulator have been designed under an object oriented programming approach and looks to the warehouse by an hierarchic decision level point of view, which allows an interesting separation of the responsibilities on the system. It is a modular approach where each entity is responsible for its own integrity and functionality, and where the decision rules are separated on three fundamental levels(1): element level, control level and management level. Nevertheless, the main interest of this paper is not to introduce any kind of code statements of the simulator, but instead to present the reader the structure of the more relevant elements and the way they were modelled. At the same time it will be shown some of the user interface facilities and also some references to studies made using this warehouse simulator.

Abstract
The nesting (or placement) problem is an NP-hard combinatorial problem with important industrial applications, e.g. in apparel or footwear industry. This paper describes a hardware infrastructure to accelerate the processing of the underlying geometric information. The system consists of an FPGA-based reconfigurable platform enhanced by an ASIC for the processing of irregular polygons. The paper discusses the need for such a platform, establishes the main design guidelines and describes the architecture and modes of operation of both the reconfigurable infrastructure and the dedicated IC.

Abstract
This paper describes an <> system to support decision making in the planning processes of Virtual Enterprises, viewed as networks of different units, namely plants, logistic centres and storage facilities. The system aims at improving customer due date calculation, and is intended to be a multi-site planning tool to co-ordinate local activities across the Virtual Enterprise network. It is based on the use of aggregate information and on a set of local rough capacity models. This work is part of a broader project with a particular focus on the microelectronics industry. Companies of this industry are a good example of Virtual Enterprises, where a quick response to the customers needs and to unpredictable changes in production conditions is considered a major factor for success.