The integration barrier; problems in the implementation of advanced manufacturing technology

Abstract

SUMMARY There can be little doubt that we are seeing a rapid acceleration in the pace of technological change as we approach the 1990s. In manufacturing industry this move towards automation is seen as a key element in preserving and improving competitiveness - the ‘fitter’ part of the well-known ‘leaner and fitter’ prescription for the revival of British industry. It is, however, important to remember that technology is only one term in the equation and that, for the prescription to work, consideration must be made of the social and economic implications of change. This paper explores some of these implications from both a national and a company-level perspective and concludes that the benefits of advanced automation will only be realised if a total systems approach is taken to its implementation.