Advanced Manufacturing Technology: A Way of Improving Technological Competitiveness

Survival and success in present turbulent times increasingly depends on competitiveness. Competitiveness comes through an integrated effort across different functions and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies. Advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) plays a major role in quality and flexibility improvements in manufacturing organizations. The automated “factory of the future” is seen as the essential ingredient for increasing the competitive advantages in the global market. The concept of technology as a competitive weapon is also gaining momentum because of the rapid introduction of new products with the high complexity and accuracy, new manufacturing process, changing in customer needs and expectations, including varying extents of product support. AMT provides benefits and advantages in areas that would enable manufacturers to maintain quality, operational, organizational, financial performances to improve technological competitiveness. This research reports findings of an empirical study of process sector companies through questionnaire survey. Responses from 58 manufacturing managers are analyzed and presented.