It is important for the GWC Valves International company to understand the technology and the production process since technology dramatically changed production. Many manufacturing plants are known as lights out facilities and the completely automated plants without workers. Technology boosts efficiency and enhances flexibility. Robots were most common in automotive and electronics manufacturing, but are now being used in a variety of processes. The computer aided design allows engineers to design and test before building prototypes. The computer aided manufacturing allows manufacturers to analyze the steps that a machine must take to produce a needed product or part. The flexible manufacturing system is a process that is linked to electronic controls that direct activities at each stage of manufacturing and has been enhanced by powerful new software and can be a valuable feature to a production process. The computer integrated manufacturing uses a centralized computer system that can control the production process. The advantages of computer integrated manufacturing include increased productivity, decreased design costs, increased equipment utilization and improved quality.
The job of production managers consists of supervising the work of people and machinery to convert inputs (materials and resources) into finished goods and services. There are four tasks of production managers including the planning of the production process, selecting the most appropriate layout, being able to carry out the production plan and controlling the production process. Part of the control process involves continuous evaluation of results. If problems occur during this process, the production managers return to the first step and make adjustments. Planning the production process involves deciding what goods and services the company shall offer. Being able to determine the facility layout means that you are selecting the best layout for the firm’s facilities. A good layout can reduce material handling, decrease costs and improve product flow. Implementing the production plan involves making a decision to make, buy or lease, selecting the best suppliers and controlling inventory for production managers.
