A. Manufacturing and Production Manufacturing is a form of business that combines and transforms resource inputs and other resources into tangible outcomes that are then sold to others. Manufacturing began a long period of decline in the 1970s when foreign competitors came onto the scene with new equipment and higher levels of efficiency. B. Manufacturing Technology Technology is the set of processes and systems used by organizations to convert resources into products or services. Automation is the process of designing work so that it can be completely or almost completely performed by machines. The big move to automate factories began during World War II, with a shortage of skilled workers and the development of high-speed computers.
Automation displaces some people but creates more jobs in the long run.
Computer-assisted manufacturing is technology that relies on computers to design or manufacture products. Computer-aided design involves using computers to design parts and complete products so that prototypes need not be constructed. Computer-aided manufacturing is the use of computers to plan and control manufacturing processes. Computer-integrated manufacturing allows for coordination between all manufacturing activities. Robots are artificial devices that can perform functions ordinarily appropriate only for human beings.