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How do computers help managers control mass production operations?
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mass production
An assembly line at a Ford factory in Wayne, Michigan, 2011.
Computers assist managers in controlling mass production operations by providing tools for monitoring, planning, and optimizing the entire manufacturing process. Through computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), managers can connect computers directly or indirectly to factory operations to improve efficiency.1
Key ways computers support management include:
- Process Monitoring and Control: Computers collect and analyze data from the factory floor, communicating performance results to management. In direct control, systems can automatically execute adjustments to maintain production standards, while supervisory control allows computers to "trim" operations—such as resetting thermostats—to lower costs or increase output.12
- Planning and Scheduling: Computers assist in scheduling production operations, planning step-by-step processes, and managing inventory to ensure a continuous flow of materials without requiring expensive storage.13
- Flexibility and Customization: By using programmable systems, managers can adapt production lines to handle different product options or small-batch "niche" production without replacing physical hardware.32
- Integration: Through computer-integrated manufacturing, computers link production with business functions like order entry, cost accounting, and payroll, providing a comprehensive view of the entire firm.14