SWTOR.com gives you an idea of what to expect from Crew Skill Systems of The Old Republic...

"The galaxy is full of resources and opportunities for your character to benefit and profit. The Crew Skills system allows you to gather those valuable resources, craft a wide range of useful items, and send your crew out on their own missions to retrieve rewards. With Crew Skills, you?ll be able to do all these things while your character stays in the action or even if you have to log off!

Crew Skills are a unique approach to a crafting system, built to suit the tastes of a broad range of players and to maximize your time spent adventuring and experiencing your character?s story while still earning useful benefits. Put your companions to work and get the most out of the galaxy?s myriad opportunities!

Learn more details about the inner workings of the Crew Skills Game System on the new Crew Skills System page."