Informational needs for a product line management system.
Changing to a product line management structure requires a total dedicated effort from hospital management. The information systems support requirements are diverse and often call for both the further integration of existing capabilities as well as the development of new ones. The reporting structure must address the profit and quality management objectives assigned to both product line and functional managers. A thorough planning and evaluation process that recognizes the institution's unique objectives is the key to successful implementation. This article is the final in a series on product line management in health care. The previous two articles examined the concepts and evolution of product line management and the alternative product line organizational models.