International approaches to computer‐integrated manufacturing perspectives from Europe and Japan

Abstract

Highlights similarities, as well as differences, between European and Japanese approaches to implementing computer‐integrated manufacturing (CIM), and is based on research which uses the 7S model, developed by McKinsey & Co., as an underlying framework. Considers a number of pertinent factors which were employed to define a sample frame: first, to judge the influence of CIM on world‐class manufacturing organizations, researches manufacturing companies in key developed countries with an established manufacturing base; second, emphasizes the impact of CIM on profit‐seeking businesses; third, as the survey assessed the integration of leading‐edge technology, the sample of manufacturing organizations comprised technology‐driven companies.