A longitudinal study of planning and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies

Abstract

The findings of a survey of planning and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies in Australia are presented. The survey was initially conducted in 1989 and repeated in 1993. The results of the two surveys are compared to identify improvements made over the period. The analysis shows greater involvement of senior management in technology strategy development and AMT planning, an increase in investments in technology softwares, a higher use of the multi-disciplinary approach to planning and implementation, and a reduction in the time taken to plan and implement selected AMT. However, the analysis highlights a number of issues which require immediate management action. These include aiming for more strategic benefits from the AMT and a more rigorous financial evaluation of the AMT proposal.