An integrated approach to investment appraisal for advanced manufacturing technology

This article presents an integrated approach combining the strategic, economic, and analytic justification methodologies to evaluate the tangible and intangible benefits for the selection of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT). A strategic approach called the manufacturing map is applied to determine the consistency among the proposed technology, the company objectives, and the manufacturing strategies. An analytic evaluation technique called the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is also introduced. During the AHP analysis, an economic evaluation tool called the state-price net present value (SP-NPV) is applied to provide financial data. Finally, a budget/network chart is employed to monitor and outline the project in greater detail. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

An overview of anonymity technology usage

Anonymity technologies enable Internet users to maintain a level of privacy that prevents the collection of identifying information such as the IP address. Understanding the deployment of anonymity technologies on the Internet is important to analyze the current and future trends. In this paper, we provide a tutorial survey and a measurement study to understand the anonymity technology usage on the Internet from multiple perspectives and platforms. First, we review currently utilized anonymity technologies and assess their usage levels. For this, we cover deployed contemporary anonymity technologies including proxy servers, remailers, JAP, I2P, and Tor with the geo-location of deployed servers. Among these systems, proxy servers, Tor and I2P are actively used, while remailers and JAP have minimal usage. Then, we analyze application-level protocol usage and anonymity technology usage with different applications. For this, we preform a measurement study by collecting data from a Tor exit node, a P2P client, a large campus network, a departmental email server, and publicly available data on spam sources to assess the utilization of anonymizer technologies from various perspectives. Our results confirm previous findings regarding application usage and server geo-location distribution where certain countries utilize anonymity networks significantly more than others. Moreover, our application analysis reveals that Tor and proxy servers are used more than other anonymity techniques.     

Meta knowledge of intelligent manufacturing: An overview of state-of-the-art

This paper tries to stimulate empirical research into the overall impacts of intelligent systems in manufacturing aspects. To reach this goal, a schema of intelligent applications is provided for each aspect as frame base structure, meaning the knowledge of intelligent applications in that specific aspect. Then, a semantic network is developed for intelligent manufacturing based on hierarchical structure of manufacturing systems to provide Meta knowledge of intelligent manufacturing applications. The analysis of semantic network indicates an increasing growth in application of soft computing in manufacturing aspects. Specially, fuzzy logic and its derivates have found more applications in recent years.     

The ergonomics of computer aided design within advanced manufacturing technology

Many manufacturing companies have now awakened to the significance of computer aided design (CAD), although the majority of them have only been able to purchase computerised draughting systems of which only a subset produce direct manufacturing data. Such companies are moving steadily towards the concept of computer integrated manufacture (CIM), and this demands CAD to address more than draughting. CAD architects are thus having to rethink the basic specification of such systems, although they typically suffer from an insufficient understanding of the design task and have consequently been working with inadequate specifications. It is at this fundamental level that ergonomics has much to offer, making its contribution by encouraging user-centred design. The discussion considers the relationships between CAD and: the design task; the organisation and people; creativity; and artificial intelligence. It finishes with a summary of the contribution of ergonomics.     

An overview of contemporary office automation technology

Technological innovations have, until recently, had little impact on the office environment. The advent of the microelectronic revolution has generated devices and mechanisms that support a wide spectrum of administrative functions and increase both the efficiency and effectiveness of office workers. This paper presents a state-of-the-art perspective on the newer technological aids developed specifically for the office environment. The speed and versatility of these aids is a tribute to recent innovations in the field of computers and communications.     

An overview of contemporary office automation technology

Abstract

Technological innovations have, until recently, had little impact on the office environment. The advent of the microelectronic revolution has generated devices and mechanisms that support a wide spectrum of administrative functions and increase both the efficiency and effectiveness of office workers. This paper presents a state-of-the-art perspective on the newer technological aids developed specifically for the office environment. The speed and versatility of these aids is a tribute to recent innovations in the field of computers and communications.     

Neural network application in predicting advanced manufacturing technology implementation performance

Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) adoption can be complex, costly, and risky. Companies need to assess and evaluate their current conditions with that of AMT requirements to identify the gaps and predict their performance. Such an approach will facilitate companies not only in their investment decisions, but on the actions needed to improve performance. The lack of such an approach prompted this study to develop an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) classification and prediction model that can assist companies especially Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs) in evaluating AMT implementation. Data were collected from a survey of 140 SMEs. Using cluster analysis, the companies were classified into three groups based on their performance. Then, a feed-forward NN was developed and trained with back-propagation algorithm. The results showed that the model can classify companies with 72% accuracy rate into the three clusters. This model is suitable to evaluate AMTs implementation outcomes and predict company performance as high, low, or poor in technology adoption.     

An empirically based analysis of the requirements for successful implementation of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT)

As global competition intensifies, concerns over declining productivity and quality of manufactured goods in US markets has cultivated profound interest in the development, and/or acquisition and implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) systems. The complex nature of the factors affecting AMT Systems implementation performance has made it impossible for companies that have implemented such projects to report on a consistent pattern of factors accountable for successful implementation efforts. The main objective of this paper is to report on the findings of a survey of a number of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) projects implemented in several companies across the United States. The results of study is expected to provide valuable information about patterns of factors attributable to success across a spectrum of projects, to companies that are designing implementation strategies for the future and contribute to the general theory of AMT implementation.     

A psychological study of advanced manufacturing technology: the concept of coupling

The role played by technology as a discrete independent variable in shaping the design of work is explored. The concept of coupling is developed and an empirical study of work with advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), using measurement scales derived from this concept, is outlined. Results indicate that operators of tightly coupled AMT perceive stronger supervisory influence on their working methods and show signs of lower intrinsic job satisfaction and poorer mental health than operators of more loosely coupled AMT. Implications for job redesign are discussed.     

A psychological study of advanced manufacturing technology: the concept of coupling

Abstract

The role played by technology as a discrete independent variable in shaping the design of work is explored. The concept of coupling is developed and an empirical study of work with advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), using measurement scales derived from this concept, is outlined. Results indicate that operators of tightly coupled AMT perceive stronger supervisory influence on their working methods and show signs of lower intrinsic job satisfaction and poorer mental health than operators of more loosely coupled AMT. Implications for job redesign are discussed.     

Implicit knowledge and fault diagnosis in the control of advanced manufacturing technology

. Field studies have shown that increasing operator responsibility for running advanced manufacturing technology can substantially enhance system performance. Improved fault diagnosis is central to such performance gains, and observations suggest this depends on implicit as well as explicit knowledge. However, the question of whether this is the case has not been systematically investigated. Evidence from field settings is circumstantial, and laboratory investigations of implicit knowledge have been based on other types of task. In this paper we described a study of implicit knowledge in fault diagnosis based on laboratory simulation of a robotics line. This confirms the existence of implicit knowledge in fault diagnosis, as well as raising both conceptual and methodological issues relevant to experimental approaches. We discuss the implications of the study for organizational practice and for the interaction between cognitive and organizational psychology.     

The organisational learning effects of management accounting information under advanced manufacturing technology

This study empirically examined the organisational learning effects of the nonfinancial performance information provided by management accounting information systems (MAISs) under advanced manufacturing technology (AMT). In this study, a target costing system and the frequent and quick reporting of information were considered the facilitators of learning. First, we examined the relationships between AMT level and the amount of nonfinancial performance information produced by MAISs. The empirical results showed that there are significant positive relationships between the level of AMT and nonfinancial performance information. With a systems approach, we also proved the impact of the relationships among AMT levels, nonfinancial performance information and learning facilitators on the organisational performance of a firm. The results of our research suggest that under a high level of AMT, for the provision of information to result in an increase of performance through organisational learning, a target costing system must be introduced and a large amount of information should be provided frequently and quickly. The results of this study also showed that although AMT level may be low, fairly well-arranged facilitators and a moderately large amount of information may be necessary for the improvement of performance. In conclusion, effective organisational learning depends on the provision of relevant information as well as efficient learning support mechanisms.     

Implicit knowledge and fault diagnosis in the control of advanced manufacturing technology

Abstract

Field studies have shown that increasing operator responsibility for running advanced manufacturing technology can substantially enhance system performance. Improved fault diagnosis is central to such performance gains, and observations suggest this depends on implicit as well as explicit knowledge. However, the question of whether this is the case has not been systematically investigated. Evidence from field settings is circumstantial, and laboratory investigations of implicit knowledge have been based on other types of task. In this paper we described a study of implicit knowledge in fault diagnosis based on laboratory simulation of a robotics line. This confirms the existence of implicit knowledge in fault diagnosis, as well as raising both conceptual and methodological issues relevant to experimental approaches. We discuss the implications of the study for organizational practice and for the interaction between cognitive and organizational psychology.     

STP technology: An overview and a conceptual framework

Today's capital market and security industry are rapidly changing. With the rising of trading volume in stock markets and the US security industry moving to compress the settlement time from T + 3 (3 days settlement) to T + 1 (same day settlement), a fully automated global approach, based on straight through processing (STP) technology seems the only choice. STP involves moving electronically through a trading process from initiation through post-execution and final settlement without manual intervention. Despite the benefits that have been materialized by early adopters of STP, there are problems and risks involved in implementing STP, one of which being the confusion about the concept of STP itself. The objective of this short research note is to clarify the concept and characteristics of STP and propose an integrated conceptual and theoretical STP framework. Such a framework can facilitate a widespread understanding of STP and provide useful guidance to STP implementations.     

An overview of control performance assessment technology and industrial applications

A review of the current status in control performance assessment (CPA) technology and industrial applications is presented. Merits and drawbacks of each CPA method are highlighted. An evaluation of publications during the last 15 years shows some trends in the application of a number of CPA metrics and methods in different process industries. Also included is an overview of CPA packages that have been developed and and/or which are commercially available. A systematic procedure for continuous control performance monitoring and optimisation is suggested, combining different control performance metrics and assessment methods. Finally, future needs and trends in CPA theory and applications are given.     

油田企业数据中心虚拟化技术综述

介绍了油田企业数据中心的运行现状,阐述了虚拟化的一般概念,分析了数据中心虚拟化技术的优势并指出其不足。针对油田企业数据中心存在的一些问题,提出应用虚拟化技术,把物理的数据中心打造成虚拟的数据中心是缓解这些问题的一个可行方案,并给出其应用思路。简要论述了数据中心虚拟化技术的发展趋势和前景。     

Future directions and research issues for ergonomics and advanced manufacturing technology (AMT)

In recent years, great progress has been made in the development of computer-based technologies that support the manufacturing industries. Those concerned with advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) are becoming increasingly aware of the fundamental importance of human organisational issues for the successful development, implementation, operation and maintenance of AMT. The discipline of industrial ergonomics and occupational occupational psychology, therefore, have a significant contribution to make in this field. This paper introduces the special issue, Ergonomics Matters in AMT, and presents a discussion of some of the future directions of AMT and the likely implications for ergonomics research.     

Computer-aided manufacturing of advanced microwave modules

The application of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) techniques to the assembly and test of a low-cost, high-volume X-band Radar T/R module will be investigated by highlighting the differences between low frequency and microwave CAM methods, focusing on the difficulties of automated testing, evaluation, and circuit tuning. The problems encountered when implementing high-precision automated assembly and test methods, which include wire-bonding, soldering, piece-part placement, thin wafer GaAs probing, and a novel implementation of a microwave circuit laser-tuning technique will also be discussed. These CAM techniques, combined with integrated MMIC technology, are then used to illustrate a manufacturing philosophy targeted toward high-volume microwave module production.     

Computing and information technology in a distributed environment. An overview

Even before the computer was invented, the concept of parallel computation was applied to solving many supercomplex problems manually using large teams of operators. In this overview, the possibility of solving problems in parallel is analyzed and the durability of parallel systems is estimated. As well, parallelization methods, supercomputer unfriendliness, information and access management in distributed environments, distributed systems applied for information simulation and analysis, and establishment of specialized centers are discussed.