174 Chapter 10

R — Realistic

1

7

13

19

25

31

37

43

I — Investigative

2

8

14

20

26

32

38

44

A — Artistic

3

9

15

21

27

33

39

45

S — Social

4

10

16

22

28

34

40

46

E — Enterprising

5

11

17

23

29

35

41

47

С — Conventional

6

12

18

24

30

36

42

48

Manufacturing is a prime generator of wealth and is critical in establishing a sound basis for economic growth. Manufacturing is a cornerstone of all economic activities, and efforts to continuously advance manufacturing technology are therefore vital to a richer and more stable future. Scientists undertake feasibility studies to develop next-generation advanced manufacturing technologies related to the following phenomena:

— the globalization of corporate activities;

— greater sophistication in manufacturing operations;

— changes in market requirements (e.g. more diversified needs);

— changes in human factors, including shortage of skilled labor;

— problems due to the need to preserve natural resources and the environment;

— increased investments required for

manufacturing systems and R&D.

Globalization presents particular problem because, depending upon the nature and purpose of its activities, a company may have various facilities located around the world. To manage those facilities effectively, and to handle its policy making and production planning, a company needs a communications network that interconnects its multiple plants and other facilities. Setting up such a network is essential for exchanging data through an internationally compatible communications system. Increasingly, companies are finding they need a common intercompany communications system that enables different firms to exchange information.

to advance — to move forward in development, to improve укр. розвивати, покращувати

vital (tо, for) — very necessary, of the greatest importance укр. нагально потрібний, надзвичайно важливий

feasible — able to be carried out or done, possible and reasonable укр. здійснимий

feasibility study — укр. техніко-економічне обгрунтування corporate — of, belonging to or shared by all the members of a group/corporation Synonym:

collective

to diversify — to make or become different

in form, quality, aims, or activities; vary укр.

урізноманітнювати

shortage (of) — a condition of having less

than needed; lacking укр. нестача, брак

compatible (with) — able to exist together,

or be used together with another thing

укр. сумісний, той, що сполучується

(поєднується)

Future plants based on the intelligent manufacturing system concept are expected to include such autonomous and intelligent systems as industrial robots, numerically controlled machine tools and interacting with an intelligent production management system. Computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering at an R&D center will help in the rapid development of new products matched to customers needs. A global communications network with standardized interfaces will link the head office to the manufacturing plants, sales agents, and subcontractors.