The challenge of computer-integrated manufacturing

Abstract Recent years have seen major changes in the pattern of industrial production. Three forces have been particularly significant in driving industry along the road to advanced automated production; growing international competition, the example of Japan and the availability of new technology. Their combined effect is a trend towards advanced and integrated manufacturing systems. These changes require what are often radical adjustments in the philosophy of production management, away from traditional concerns with discrete operations and towards a total systems management approach. This paper examines some of the features of the challenge posed to production management by the technological changes embodied in the “factory of the future”.