The Role of Process Data in Controlling and Optimizing Manufacturing Processes

Historically, control functions for "make "and "test" operations in discrete manufacturing processes have been satisfied with special purpose hardware. In recent years, computers have replaced much of this special purpose hardware. The initial reasons for employing computers were to decrease capital and development costs while providing greater flexibility in responding to process changes. It now appears that the greatest benefits of applying computers in discrete manufacturing processes are the increased process yields and decreased rework through the use of Process