The role of information systems in manufacturing industries

This research report examines the role of information systems in manufacturing industries, in particular in the areas of production, product design and material management. Basing on a detailed review of literature and academic studies, this report documents the historical development of manufacturing, the recent industrial trends, changing role of computer technology, various levels of manufacturing decisions and operations, user requirements for information systems, impact of current computer applications and the future of information systems in manufacturing. This research finds that there is a trend towards a more competitive and integrated global market. Also, customers are now demanding for faster response, shorter life cycle, better quality, greater product variety which make manufacturing process to become more complicated. In response to these, many manufacturing companies have deployed computer-based technology to support more sophisticated data management, decision-making process, manufacturing strategy formulation, enterprise integration and implementation of epoch-making manufacturing approaches such as just-in-time, flexible manufacturing systems, total quality control, group technology, etc. to improve their positions in the highly competitive market.