During 1988-2002, manufacturing systems engineering centered on reconciling task interdependencies through explicit coordination mechanisms, enabling faster information flows and more flexible production responses. The era fused coordination theory with practical process redesign, emphasising cross-functional interfaces, modular design, and adaptive change strategies to support agile manufacturing and networked production. Researchers increasingly approached process design as an integrated, systems-level activity, consolidating insights from organizational coordination with industry practices to foster rapid reconfiguration and workforce empowerment.