SCANS-system description and comparison with PERT

The name SCANS is an acronym derived from Scheduling and Control by Automated Network System. The system is based upon the network techniques developed for PERT and might well be considered to be one of the many versions of PERT which have evolved since its introduction. Although SCANS is described as an automated system and as a man-machine system, it is the men in the system who perform the most important functions of planning, decision making, and control. The machines only perform the functions which would have to be delegated to clerical and computational personnel if the machines were not available. SCANS is not intended to be a substitute for the human mental process. It can only hope to facilitate this process and improve its effectiveness by providing the best information in an efficient format at the time it is required.