The control of manufacturing operations is of crucial importance in industry. The correct regulation of manufacturing activities makes the difference between meeting and missing customer requirements. Nowadays computerised solutions are available as an aid to production management. However, many companies proceed to use sophisticated computer tools without first understanding the basic operating principles. This book is written for students of manufacturing systems as well as people in industry who need a concise explanation of the concepts of Computer Aided Production Management (CAPM) or who may be looking for new ideas.

This book is divided into four sections: invited papers, principles, systems and techniques. The invited papers form an extensive overview of the state-of-the-art of production management. The themes range from the everlasting hunt for better productivity to the implications of CIM architectures (particularly CIM-OSA) for production management. The other three sections of the book look at the various problems affecting production management. One of the characteristics of modern production management is the need for better principles, systems and techniques for interorganizational production management. Another topic of crucial relevance is the necessity to master not only repetitive manufacturing but also one-of-a-kind product manufacturing. From the managerial point of view, the forecast-based make-to-stock principles have proven insufficient, with market forces demanding fast and reliable deliveries of customer-oriented products. The goals of production management have been re-evaluated as a result.

Well-designed and well-run systems for the management of production, systems that take account of and use optimally all technical and human potential, are paramount for the competitiveness of industrial business. Therefore, ... promotion of knowledge and exchange of experience ... are important ingredients of scientific and social progress... D. Mavros, Chairman of the Board, Helenic Management Association (HMA), I. Kounelis, Chairman, Administrative Committee, Institute of Production Management, HMA.This publication aims to bridge the gap between research and industrial practice in production management systems. The contributions are therefore sourced from a wide range of specialists involved in the field, including production managers, production and materials management experts, logistic engineers, consulting and software experts and managers, researchers and members of the academic community.