An information system, in the form of a local area network (LAN), was designed for a video cassette recorder (VCR) manufacturing environment. This system uses the Ethernet approach, with hardware components satisfying IEEE Standard 802.3. The database component can produce reports, graphs and statistical quality control charts. The network communications component allows message sending, screen capture and remote control of test computers. This system provides management with meaningful information in various forms. In addition, it aids VCR boards troubleshooting by making all board measurements available.