Abstract: A user configurable system which integrates and manages a plurality of different tasks and software tools. It is adapted primarily for use in design and production automation systems. The system has a main control routine which utilizes macros to control each process to be performed, including the sequencing of tasks and the encapsulation of any incompatible software tools which interface with the control program. The encapsulation controls the interpretations for transfers between the incompatible tool and the control program. Additional routines are provided for providing interfacing between various tools, including tools having various types of incompatibilities, and between an operator and the system or the various tools used therein. All such routines are rules based and such rules, including the macros used with the control routine, are written in an interpretive extension language which is both human and machine readable. This renders the system easily configurable and reconfigurable by the user.