Automatic Data Collection Systems: Observed Benefits and Problems

In: International journal of operations & production management, Band 12, Heft 5, S. 57-68

Abstract

The current goal of many US firms is to become the highest quality
and lowest cost leaders in their markets. Achieving this goal requires
major changes in how products and services are produced. Many systems
have been developed to assist firms in accomplishing this goal; they
include such diverse areas as Just‐in‐Time manufacturing (JIT), Material
Resource Planning II (MRP II), Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems
(ASRS), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), CAD/CAM, Computer Integrated
Manufacturing (CIM), and Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS). One key
element in the success of these systems is that accurate data concerning
plant operations must be immediately available to those who need it.
More and more frequently, this requirement is being addressed through
the use of automatic data collection systems (ADC). Seeks to provide
insights into the application of ADC systems in US industries. Considers
the type of data collection system installed, the implementation and
operational problems encountered, and the degree of success enjoyed by
the firm using ADC. Data were gathered via a survey instrument
administered to the membership of a national organization, the Institute
of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM).