CIM: A challenge to technology management

Ayres, R.U. (1992). CIM: A challenge to technology management. International Journal of Technology Management 7 (1) 17-39. 10.1504/IJTM.1992.025706.

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Abstract

It is suggested that computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) -- or "flexible automation" -- is a revolutionary response to the "complexity-reliability variety" barrier. In brief, products are becoming more complex, quality control is becoming more difficult and customers are less satisfied with standardization. Managers of manufacturing firms face several critical questions and some strategic choices. Among them are the following: How must the firm change internally to compete successfully in the future? What technologies must be mastered and adopted "in house", and what can safely be contracted out? Is there an important distinction to be made between "human-centred" and "machine-centred" approaches? If so, which offers the best long-term prospects? Can CIM be implemented "bottom-up", or must it be implemented "top-down"? A number of other management implications of CIM are discussed. The paper reports some major results of a four-year study recently completed at IIASA under the author's co-leadership.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Management journals; Policy and organisational management; Technology management
Research Programs:	Institute Scholars (INS)
Bibliographic Reference:	International Journal of Technology Management; 7(1-2):17-39 (1 May 1992)
Depositing User:	IIASA Import
Date Deposited:	15 Jan 2016 02:01
Last Modified:	27 Aug 2021 17:35
URI:	https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/3580

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