The paperless factory-myth or reality?

The author describes the importance of advanced manufacturing technology to the evolution of a successful company. This evolution progresses through three stages: the first is high growth, the second is the move from limited to greater manufacturing involvement, and the third is the transition from traditional manufacturing processes to advanced manufacturing technology. As examples, the author uses the transitions made by the Austin, Texas, and Watsonville, California, manufacturing facilities of Tandem Computers Incorporated. Ten guidelines for successful automation are offered