Planning processes for advanced manufacturing technology by large American manufacturers

Abstract

In response to an increasingly competitive environment, many manufacturers have invested in advanced manufacturing technology (AMT). While many studies regarding the use of AMT have been performed, little is known about how firms plan and manage their AMT investments. This is surprising given the evidence about the impact such investments can have on an organization. To address this, a survey of large American manufacturing firms was conducted. Respondents were asked, among other questions, why their firms made such investments and the fit with their business strategy; which functional areas were involved in idea generation, the planning process, and proposal assessment; and what the anticipated risks, difficulties and benefits were from making such investments. The results from this survey are provided along with an analysis of the responses.