The total integration of the process of designing, manufacturing, and supporting a product from the earliest conceptual phase to the time it is removed from service remains an unfulfilled dream. Yet, when we look at the enormity of the process of integration even for the most simply conceived and manufactured items, we can recognize that substantial progress has been and is being made. It is our nature to be dissatisfied with near term progress, but when we realize how short a time the tools to do that integration have been available, the progress is clearly noteworthy - considering the...

The complete shop floor automation - a "lights out factory," where workers initially set up all machines, turn off the lights, lock the door and the machine churns up the parts - remains an unfulfilled dream. Yet when we look at the enormity of the process of automation and integration even for the most simply conceived part factory, we can recognize that automation has been applied and is being applied, more so when it made sense from a cost/benefit standpoint. It is our nature to be dissatisfied with near term progress, but when we realize how short a time the tools to do that automation...

This volume is about automation - automation in design, automation in manufacturing, and automation in production. Automation is essen tial for increased productivity of quality products at reduced costs. That even partial or piecemeal automation of a production facility can deliver dramatic improvements in productivity has been amply demon strated in many a real-life situation. Hence, currently, great ef forts are being devoted to research and development of general as well special methodologies of and tools for automation. This volume re ports on some of these methodologies and tools. In...