Computer Technology and International Competition: Part 1:The Factory of the Future Available to Purchase

The issue of competitiveness in US manufacturing industry is addressed. The reasons for the decline and lack of competitiveness of US manufacturing companies after the Second World War are summarised and the present situation – the application of new technologies and the globalisation of markets and competition – is described. These changes are placed in an operational context and it is concluded that the adoption of computer integrated manufacturing concepts and technology is essential as a driving force of corporate strategy to enable manufacturing industry to remain competitive or to regain competitiveness.