Final answer:
Computers are central to Just-in-Time manufacturing, managing stock levels, ordering supplies, monitoring accounts, and controlling robots in the factory, resulting in increased efficiency and a shift towards automation in the workplace.
Step-by-step explanation:
Computers play a crucial role in Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing, a system pioneered by Japanese manufacturers and adopted by American companies in the 1980s. In JIT, computers are instrumental in several ways:
- They meticulously track stock levels to ensure that only necessary parts are on hand, reducing waste and storage costs.
- When stock reaches a predefined threshold, computers order new stock, which is typically delivered daily to align with production schedules.
- Computers manage the financial side by monitoring the accounts, ensuring a smooth flow of funds and cost-efficiency.
- Moreover, in the manufacturing process, computers control the robots that execute a variety of tasks, from assembly to transportation of materials within factories.
Although JIT has increased efficiency and reduced costs, it has also contributed to the automation of the workplace, replacing jobs once done by humans with technology, leading to a shift towards an information economy. This transition has had significant implications for labor practices, economic structures, and the socio-economic landscape.