The next-generation power reactors need to include consideration for collection and application of operating data and follow-on analysis in plant designs to enhance future use of the data during the life of the plant. The N Reactor experience at the Hanford Site supports the need for such a system, and some of the elements that such a system would require are described. An equipment identification code for each significant plant component is fundamental to an information system. This unique code is used to maintain equipment history files and to cross-reference other data records to these files. The system output must be oriented to ensure that complete data on any specific component are available on demand.