Understanding the human factors in CIM systems: some international evidence

Case studies are described which indicate that the era of a fully automated factory is still a long way off. Computerised production requires precise and knowledgeable programming as well as human operators who can quickly call on their practical or tacit knowledge. Underlying cultural beliefs and the politics of interest group representation are discussed. Automated systems which embody these political aims are being adopted in small batch manufacturing. Other political influences, non computerisable knowledge functions and associated communication processes are essential to the design and implementation process. The future of automation is thus a socially governed process and the implementation of human centred CIM systems should involve both sociologists adn psychologists.