CAD/CAM: managerial challenges and research issues

Results are reported of an exploratory investigation into the managerial problems of integrating computer-aided design (broadly construed to include engineering design and drafting), and computer-aided manufacturing (encompassing machine control, materials handling, manufacturing scheduling, planning and administration, testing and quality assurance). The focus is on engineering, design, fabrication, assembly, and test of printed circuit boards used in the electronics industry and on design and fabrication of hydraulic tubing in the aircraft industry. Nine US electronics businesses and four US aircraft companies were visited with the aim of synthesizing the elements of `best practice´. Managerial problems and research issues are identified at each of five key levels of organizational learning: skills, procedures, structure, strategy, and culture