Chapter 2 Manufacturing Systems
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For example, communication systems transform information (input) into
media messages (output). These messages may be communicated using the
printed media, photographs, or electronic means (processes). The messages are
designed to inform and persuade people (goal). It is hoped that we will know,
move, or act differently because of the communication process.
Transportation is another example. Transportation transforms energy (input)
into power to propel vehicles (process). These vehicles move people and cargo
safely and efficiently (output). The person or the item will be in a new, desired
Figure 2-3. This airplane and service equipment are products of the information age.
The evolution of manufacturing is compara-
ble with the evolution of modern civilization.
When studying social science and how civili-
zations developed and grew, we can see that
production of tools and the products made
using these tools also grew.
At one time most humans fended for them-
selves. They hunted and farmed to feed themselves
and their families. They made their own tools from
stone and wood. As humans came to live in larger
communities, the demand on manufacturing
became larger as well.
Because of the increased social demands,
demand for materials and processes for making
better tools, better
housing materials, and
better trans portation methods
increased.
Over the last century in manufacturing,
important innovations significantly outnumber
the innovations from all previous time com-
bined. A social science perspective would indi-
cate in this 100-year period that human demand
was greater for creating more efficient manu-
facturing processes. What will be the next
manufacturing breakthrough? You are not sure?
Well, you can be sure that it will have social
influences.
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