Technology and
Productivity
What Are the Potential Benefits of Technology?
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Automation?
National Challenge
Emphasis on short-term business planning
Industry has limited ability to access and apply state-of-the-art research findings
Education crisis presents technological challenge in the future
Increased technology transfers to developing countries
Technology Strategy for PI
Long-range planning for modernization of the organization’s productive core and its key interface and support functions
Holistic view on product/service process technology
Technology strategy for improving an organization’s distinctive competence and its potential competitive advantage
Evaluating Values of Technology
Strategic impact – new market, competitive position, market share
Customer impact – selection, price, quality, convenience, speed, etc.
Financial impact – cost, profit, ROI Operating impact – efficiency Social impact – job, health, safety,
environment
What Are the Costs and Values of Technology?
Technology for Productivity Improvement
Five interdependent dimensions:
• Product/service design
• Physical production/service processes
• Information systems
• Management technology
• Product materials technology
Applications of Technology for PI – An Example
Product Design Technology for Productivity Improvement
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Rapid prototyping Virtual collaboration and communication for
designers, cross-functional teams, suppliers, customers – web, groupware, instant messaging, project management, etc.
Database and data warehouse for enterprise integration and data mining
Process Technology for Productivity Improvement
Manufacturing (AMT)
• Numerically-controlled machines (NC)
• Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS)
• Cellular systems
• Computer-integrated manufacturing systems (CIM)
• Robots
Application of Technology in Manufacturing - Examples
Welding Painting Lasers Fabrication Assembly Material Handling and storage Measurement and tracking systems
Automation in Distribution
Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS)
Automated Guided Vehicle System (AGVS) Point of Sales (POS) system Tracking system (e.g. UPS) Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)
system
Process Technology for Productivity Improvement
Service
• Automated/computerized equipment
• Automated software systems
• Telecommunication systems
• Hand-held devices
• Software systems
• Internet
Applications of Technology in Services - Examples
Billing and Payment
On-line services
Document transfer
Order taking and tracking
Customer service
Application processing
Information System Technology for Productivity Improvement
Application Software Systems
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
• Supply Chain Management (SCM)
• Customer Relationship Management
(CRM)
• Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS)
What Are the Key Functions of those Software Systems?
Management Technology for Productivity Improvement
Standardization Continuous improvement/Kaizen Process mapping/improvement Project management Just-in-time Six sigma Knowledge Management
What Are Those Management Technologies?
Product Materials Technology for Productivity Improvement
Ferrous metals Aluminum and Alloys Titanium Plastics Composite materials Ceramics Coatings and finishes
How to Develop Leadership in Technology for Managers?