ABSTRACT
Discussions on the 'factory of the future' refer almost exclusively to the new technologies of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM). One major approach within the field of engineering sciences is that material technology and information technology will merge to form a new type of production technology, namely 'an information machine oriented to production technology, or a production machine with integrated information technology'. The emerging, dynamic dissemination of new technology, especially in the economically important machine building industry, makes it necessary to arrive at a better understanding of the related risks and opportunities for industrial work. Technical CIM components or systems and developments observed in user companies can be differentiated according to the main points of departure of innovation policies and the work concepts inherent in technology. The functions of planning and coordination which were formerly carried out by personnel, have now been rendered into an 'objective' form within the computer system.
