info in 2 areas?
I think you're right on when you noted Information app box.
I think it's there to add to user's conveyance being near the top of the page (should the user target that top area he can assign work to the plant contained on that page from there). If there is a huge amount of entries and fill the page there can develop a long blank space in the left column and if you wish to assign a function to something on that page, you'd have to scroll up to make the assignment; if the user is working on the bottom of a long page he can easily make work assignments from the bottom.
I really have no idea why it is, but were I to forward a postulation I'd answer it as above, at least until further enlightenment shines my way.
