A Preliminary Analysis of the Economic Impacts of Programmable Automation upon Discrete Manufacturing Industries
Abstract
The potential savings of computer-based manufacturing systems are hypothesized. It is a conjectured contention that the development of computer- based automation will yield better benefits than those produced by usual technological progress. However, the approach examines cost savings rather than contribution to growth. The savings impact upon DOD procurement and the production costs of the discrete manufacturing sector is hypothesized by assuming the existence of an automated factory, although such a reality is perhaps several decades away. Many assumptions are made about costs, its components and relationships. A case study, literature references, opinions of consultants, and other case studies and judgmental costs provide the basis for the hypothesis. Also, the societal impacts of computer-based manufacturing automation are conjectured upon the environment, employment, general price level, urban/rural mix, and international trade. A number of definitions and distinctions are made with respect to automation, productivity, technology, and related points.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0768916
Entities
People
- Nake M. Kamrany
Organizations
- University of Southern California