Manufacturing and technology strategy: a survey of planning for AMT

Planning for investments in advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) is one of the most difficult areas for manufacturing managers. A balancing of the need to create competitive advantage and the ability to fund the investment is required. This paper explores the challenges associated with planning new AMT investments and reports the experiences of 61 manufacturing firms. The paper describes the planning process adopted by the manufacturers regarding their investments in AMT. The differences existing between companies, industries and technologies are established. Finally the paper compares actual practice with a conceptual model of AMT decision-making, identifying key implications for practice.