Computer Technology and International Competition: Part 2: Managing the “Factory of the Future” to Achieve Competitive Advantage

Abstract

Increased flexibility is discussed as the key to competitive advantage in the CIM factory. The treatment begins with the customer and works backwards to show how CIM technology affects competitive strategy – for example in economy of scope, truncated product life cycle, multi‐mission facilities, variety, as well as flexibility. Many of the CIM advantages can be best understood by considering it as an information system. Industrial examples are given to illustrate, and strategic principles for CIM are set out. The article concludes with a look at the future possible developments of CIM.

Citation

Goldhar, J.D. and Schlie, T.W. (1991), "Computer Technology and International Competition: Part 2: Managing the “Factory of the Future” to Achieve Competitive Advantage", Integrated Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 22-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/09576069110139445