title: Challenges and trends in discrete manufacturing
abstract: Over 50 years ago, the 100,000 workers at Ford's Rouge automobile factory turned out 1200 cars per day. Nowadays, Ford's plant on that same site still produces 800 cars each day but with just 3000 workers. Similar stories abound in the manufacturing industries; technology revolution and evolution; a shift from vertical integration, better business and production practices and improved industrial relations-all have changed manufacturing beyond recognition. So what are the current challenges and trends in manufacturing? Certainly, the relentless advance of technology will continue, as will user pressure for more customized design or improved environmental friendliness. Some trends are already with us and more, as yet indiscernible, will come. But one major, fundamental shift now resounding throughout industry is the way in which information involving every single aspect of the manufacturing process is being integrated into one seamless system
keyphrases: challenges trends discrete manufacturing automobile factory technology revolution production practices technology evolution business practices industrial relations seamless manufacturing process