>>>>>>>>

LESSON TWO
Roles of computers and related
technologies in production
 u c t i o n
Introd
 It has become more important than ever for operations
managers to make intelligent and informed decisions
about automation because of the rapid technological
change
 Process design relates to the decision of whether to
take advantage of such technological activities. Our
discussion covers some of the ways automations is
used on manufacturing and service operations
 - In te g ra te d
Com pu ter
a c tu rin g
Manuf
Computer-Integrated Manufacturing
 integrates robots, computers and other technologies
to help workers design products, control machines,
handle materials, and control the production
function
 Key is a centralized computer system running
software that integrates and controls separate
processes and functions
>>>>>>>>
 e d D es i g n
er - A i d
Comput

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

 A computerized process for designing new products,
modifying existing ones, or simulating conditions that
may affect the designs
 A system for interactions between a designer and a
computer to create a product, facility, or part that
meets predetermined specifications
 Electronic tools to analyze CAD output and determine
necessary steps to implement the design, followed by
electronic transmission of instructions to guide the
actions of production equipment
>>>>>>>>
 er- A i d ed
Comput
ufa c t ur i ng
Man
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
A computerized process for planning and
programming production processes and
equipment.
>>>>>>>>
 ial Ro bo ts
Ind us t r

Industrial Robots
reprogrammable machines capable of
performing routine jobs and manipulating
material
>>>>>>>>
 n u fa c tu r in g
i b l e M a
Flex
Systems
Flexible Manufacturing Systems
a production facility that workers can quickly
modify to manufacture different products

Computer controlled Robots handle Remote-controlled

machining centers the parts cart deliver materials
produces metal parts

All linked by
electronic controls
>>>>>>>>
 l y C o nt ro l l e d
Num e r ic al
M a c h in es
Numerically Controlled Machines
are large machine tools programmed to
produce small to medium sized batches of
intricate parts.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
“The first rule of any technology used in a business is that
automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the
efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an
inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.”
Bill Gates

End of discussion
 r e nce
Refe
Krajewski and Ritzman (1990).
Operations management: Strategy
and analysis. 2nd Edition. Addison-
Wesley Publishing Company, Inc.
USA.