Title: Automation strategies: existing theory or ad hoc decisions?

Authors: Mats Winroth, Kristina Safsten, Johan Stahre

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, School of Engineering, Jonkoping University, P.O.Box 1026, Jonkoping SE-551 11, Sweden. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, School of Engineering, Jonkoping University, P.O.Box 1026, Jonkoping SE-551 11, Sweden. ' Department of Product and Production Development, Chalmers University of Technology, Goteborg SE 412 96, Sweden

Abstract: Automating manufacturing systems potentially improves competitiveness. Empirical studies show that the most successful result is achieved when decisions concerning automation are linked to the manufacturing strategies and competitive priorities of the company. It is suggested that automation is regarded as a separate decision group, within the manufacturing strategy content field.

Keywords: automation decisions; manufacturing strategy; international comparison; manufacturing systems; automated manufacturing; competitive priorities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2007.012448

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2007 Vol.11 No.1, pp.98 - 114

Published online: 14 Feb 2007 *

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