ABSTRACT
System integration, and its intimate involvement with manufacturing hardware, software and personnel, is the point at which all of the various planning activities come together and the system is made to work to meet the original goals of a project. This implementation step occurs in a high profile environment because everyone can watch equipment being installed and begin operating (or malfunctioning). The success of the initial installation is ofmajor importance to the eventual success of the complete manufacturing system. Smooth implementations tend to lead to operations with successful manufacturing quality control, while poorly performed system integrations invariably leave the system user with a high priced eyesore that is an embarrassment to everyone.
