virtualization of design and production a thesis - Bilkent University

sources supply productivity ratios for different drawing types
and drawing activities. The realization of sensible productivity
ratios will occur only after a system can be used for some
months (Warman 173).
3.4. Advanced Design and Production Methods
Now that the computer integration to design and manufacturing industry has
been evolving at a great pace, there appears a continual transformation in the
industry for adapting to this technology. Apparently the flexibility that
CAD/CAM technology provides has a direct reflection upon the systems of
design and manufacturing. Most of the production companies began to change
their production philosophy from a strict mass production to a more flexible
system in order to meet customized consumer demands and generate a variety in
the product line.
3.4.1. Flexible Manufacturing Systems
There is an inevitable interdependent relation between the market demands and
production systems. The more flexible the production facilities are the more
customized demand increase in the market and vice versa. Parrish explains the
reasons for the change in production:
“For many traditional single-design products the days of mass
production to achieve low-cost manufacture for these mass
markets are gone. The new wealthy customers, who no longer
need to concern themselves with purchasing only the essentials
of life, can insist on individual models of the non-essential
goods. The greater numbers of competing producers for
product types means that the manufacturers must cater for
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