Software products for manufacturing design and control

Scientific and engineering problems prompted the introduction of the electronic computer and have continued to be the main driving force of its development. Early attempts at a "computerized factory" failed because inadequate hardware was combined with inappropriate software tools. Realistic possibilities appeared with third generation computers, minicomputers, and Fortran. Later new philosophies emerged, based on microprocessors, networking, and systems programming languages. The penalties of undue ridigity (caused by outdated standardization efforts or commercial strategies) and the penalties of unrestrained flexbility are discussed. The balance is in favor of the flexible approach tempered with self-discipline and orderliness. In the future, in place of "software products," we shall have "algorithmic products," called "engineering science" and "manufacturing technology."