Planning for Factory Automation: A Management Guide to World-Class Manufacturing

This book combines automation and planning in a single, integrated approach. It is concisely written, providing non-technical manufacturing executives with an overview of all the information they need to help plan the modernization of their manufacturing enterprise. Coverage of the main technologies, methodologies and computer programs is presented and specific steps are outlined for preparing an updated programme. Definitions of automation equipment and processes are pursued in detail, some of which include: automated machine tools, robots, automated guided vehicles, conveyors, storage and retrieval systems, bar coding, machine vision, and radio frequency identification. Readers will benefit from clear planning guidelines and learn how to avoid potential pitfalls.