Automatic Data Collection Systems: Observed Benefits and Problems

The current goal of many US firms is to become the highest quality and lowest cost leaders in their markets. Achieving this goal requires major changes in how products and services are produced. Many systems have been developed to assist firms in accomplishing this goal; they include such diverse areas as Just‐in‐Time manufacturing (JIT), Material Resource Planning II (MRP II), Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), CAD/CAM, Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), and Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS). One key element in the success of these systems is that accurate data concerning plant operations must be immediately available to those who need it. More and more frequently, this requirement is being addressed through the use of automatic data collection systems (ADC). Seeks to provide insights into the application of ADC systems in US industries. Considers the type of data collection system installed, the implementation and operational problems encountered, and the degree of success enjoyed by the firm using ADC. Data were gathered via a survey instrument administered to the membership of a national organization, the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM).