Automation, Information Systems, and Management: What Now?

This paper discusses the impact of the introduction of state-of-the-art manufacturing technology upon the management of companies in the manufacturing sector and the problems resulting therefrom. It deals with the effects of such modern management tools as computerized decision support systems, personal computers, computer integrated manufacturing, and how best to develop in managers the desire and skills required to deal with these innovations. It looks at resistance to change and the costly impact of the under-utilization of existing and developing manufacturing systems technology. The paper also discusses the risks and rewards of introducing this new technology and suggests some of the reasons why the United States lags in the implementation of the technology it pioneered.