European high technology manufacturing: Choices on the path to manufacturing excellence (original) (raw)

The author is concerned to point out that advanced manufacturing technologies have their main impact on 'manufacturing deliverables', particularly quality, delivery and cost. It is these deliverables that interest companies in their attempts to compete globally by using high technology strategies. The technologies themselves-computer aided design, computer numerical control, or optimised production technology, for instance, can be categorised into 'high-tech' or 'lo-tech'. But the division is somewhat artificial, and the way forward may be pragmatic. Manufacturing industry in Europe is having to react to global competition in many of its markets, especially the high technology market. Increasing customer expectations of variety, innovation, quality and reliability are allied to competitive strategies of the major producers which emphasise technological innovation more and more.