The development of computer integrated manufacturing in Singapore

Abstract

Four strategic issues for manufacturing industry in Singapore in the 1990s have been highlighted at the First Global Strategies Conference held in 1988. They are:

• Competitive differentiation as opposed to low cost

• Optimization of every part of the value chain of activities

• Networking the Singapore operation with other parts of the value chain located in other countries

• Monitoring Singapore competitive edge constantly

Manufacturing companies in Singapore are adopting information technology rapidly to cope with shorter product life cycle, demand for better customer services and product quality, flexibility in volume and design, manpower shortage and redistribution of manufacturing operation to the region. Computer integrated manufacturing has been viewed as a key towards achieving competitiveness in manufacturing. Several important CIM elements have been implemented in Singapore industries over the last decade. This paper reviews the results of a study conducted on the status of CIM development and implementation and the industry trends in the key sectors. The government plays a major role in developing the local expertise and capability in exploiting CIM technology through the setting up of mission specific CIM research institute; technology transfer centre; CIM specialist training programme; standards committee to address the issue of standardization to facilitate inter-organizational and intra-organizational integration. The factors contributing to the successful partnership between the government and industry in realigning and turning the manufacturing bases into factories of the future will be critically examined.