Abstract: A distributed machine information and control system which includes a plurality of programmable control stations for controlled operation of associated implements of plant machinery. A number of zone diagnostic stations are coupled to one or more programmable control stations, either directly or through individually machine diagnostic stations, for monitoring and diagnosing program-controlled machinery operation. A central management information system receives diagnostic information from the various diagnostic stations for storage and selective reporting of plant operation to management. The system includes facility for uploading to the central system operator-varied control programming from the individual control stations and for automatically downloading diagnostic programming to the diagnostic station which reflects such operator changes in machinery control programming.