`The Hydrovane experience´ [manufacturing automation]

Hydrovane is a manufacturer of oil-injected rotary vane air compressors. The company´s main activity is manufacture of industrial air compressors. The three elements of Hydrovane´s AMT (advanced manufacturing technology) project that directly involved computers are focused on. The company, its product and the background of the project are briefly described and the reasons for such a major undertaking are outlined. The three elements were: a business computer and software upgrade; installation of two four-machine FMS cells, control systems; and a completely new computer aided system for testing the company´s small compressors. The author explains the reasons for each element and identifies their features and operating experience since installation