Management of Advanced Manufacturing Technology: Strategy, Organization, and Innovation

Computerized manufacturing technologies are not inherently profitable. Everything depends on their strategic selection and creative deployment-in other words, on how they are managed. Tremendous payoffs await companies willing to experiment with new managerial approaches to advanced automated manufacturing technology. Realizing the full potential of new computer-controlled design, production, and manufacturing planning and control requires a well-reasoned strategy, a supportive organization, and personnel ready and able to facilitate change. When all of these elements are not solidly in place, expected payoffs fall far short of expectations. This book was designed to assist companies in maximizing the efficiency and the profitability of their investments in advanced manufacturing technology. It can also serve as an excellent reference for academic faculty and graduate-level students in a variety of related disciplines. It addresses the complex issues and potential problems associated with planning, organizing, and implementing computerized manufacturing on a plantwide basis. Throughout, the emphasis is on organizational systems and managerial support. Case studies of actual industrial systems, some successful, others not, are closely analyzed to discover the keys to success as well as the sources of failure. Key topics covered include: Strategic aspects of integrating large numbers of machines to function in harmony The process of introducing programmable automation into a manufacturing organization Approaches to problems of coordinating computer-integrated manufacturing centers Current research and future developments in 21st century automated manufacturing The changing roles of operators, managers, and technical and organizational designers Management of Advanced Manufacturing Technology is an indispensable resource for manufacturing and production engineers, strategic managers of technology, plant managers and all those involved in the management, planning, design, and implementation of high-tech manufacturing processes. It is also a valuable reference for students of production and operations management, as well as industrial and mechanical engineering, and a variety of related fields.Gerwin, Donald is the author of 'Management of Advanced Manufacturing Technology: Strategy, Organization, and Innovation' with ISBN 9780471635741 and ISBN 047163574X.