Publication
IEE Proceedings A: Physical Science. Measurement and Instrumentation. Management and Education. Reviews
Paper

EVOLUTION TOWARDS AUTOMATION.

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Abstract

The evolution towards automation in manufacturing within IBM is described, taking the plant in Greenock, Scotland, as an example. A strategy was developed, looking a decade or more ahead to the point where the plant would be a high-volume low-cost facility, with full integrated automation as the goal. This may never be completely achieved, but each process is automated when it can be justified financially. Currently, a series of islands of automation exist within the total mosaic of the strategy. Increased productivity permits further phases of capital investment and, in addition, automation ensures consistent high quality.