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Unit 1 Introduction to Manufacturing
form utility.
Changing the form of
a material to make it
more useful.
location (goal). The transportation system
brings us products and allows us to travel
anywhere in the world.
Do you see that every technology has
the same components? Now, let’s look at
these system components as they specifi-
cally apply to manufacturing.
Manufacturing
as a System
The manufacturing system provides
you with nearly all the physical products
you use daily. The car in which you ride,
the television you watch, the food you
eat, and the clothes you wear are all man-
ufactured. Products such as these can
make life better. This is the reason
humans developed manufacturing in the
first place. To understand manufacturing, you should view the three major com-
ponents of the manufacturing system. These are inputs, processes, and outputs.
Manufacturing Inputs
All systems have the same inputs. They use human labor, information, capital
(machines and equipment), energy, materials, and finances. See Figure 2-4.
However, each system has an input that is designed to transform (change).
Manufacturing transforms materials into products. See Figure 2-5. It
changes the form of a material to make it more useful. This action is called form
utility. For instance, you probably find a plastic CD recording worth more than
a pile of plastic pellets. Likewise, most people feel a wood chair is worth more
than a pile of boards. The new form has more utility (usefulness) and, therefore,
we place a higher value (worth) on it.
Manufacturing Processes
New material forms do not just happen. They are the direct effort of many
people working together. They are part of a manufacturing team that applies
two basic process technologies. These technologies are used and interact to
complete the transformation task. See Figure 2-6. The two manufacturing pro-
cess technologies are transformation and managerial.
The appropriate use of tools, machines, and systems to convert materials
into products is called transformation technology. This technology is often
called material processing technology.
The appropriate use of systems and procedures to ensure that transforma-
tion actions are efficient and appropriate is called managerial technology. Both
workers and managers use this technology.
Manufacturing Inputs
HUMANS
MACHINES, ENERGY,
AND KNOWLEDGE
FINANCES
MATERIALS
use
which is paid
for with
to change the
form of
Figure 2-4. Manufacturing uses resources to change the form of
materials.
transformation
technology. The
appropriate use of
tools, machines, and
systems to convert
materials into
products.
material processing
technology. The
appropriate use of
tools, machines, and
systems to convert
materials into
products.
managerial
technology. The use
of systems and
procedures to ensure
that transformation
actions are efficient
and appropriate.