A Systems Approach to AMT Development is part of the Advanced Manufacturing Series edited by Professor Pham of the University of Wales, College of Cardiff. Its subject is the acquisition of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and its introduction into a production environment. The topic is approached from various aspects such as long-term future performance which is closely related to pay back periods. The authors point out the significance impact which the introduction of AMT has made to international competitiveness. There is also discussing of the importance of learning curve modelling. A Systems Approach to AMT Deployment is firmly based on the author's experience of working with a variety of industries.

Inhalt

1. Setting the Scene.- 2. Organizational Factors Affecting the Introduction and Efficiency of AMT Operation in Small Firms.- 3. Combined Company Profiling.- 4. Learning Curve Models.- 5. Forecasting via Learning Curves.- 6. Dynamics of AMT Capacity Planning.- 7. Use of Discrete Event Simulation in Evaluating FMS Performance.- 8. FMS Shop-Floor Experience.- 9. Case Studies Based on Three AMT Users.- 10. Organizational Problems in the Introduction of AMT into the Large Firm.- 11. AMT Vendor Experience.- 12. General Methodology for Smoothing the Introduction of AMT.