Organization design for factory 2000

Evidence suggests that the effective implementation of advanced computer‐integrated technologies in manufacturing depends upon a considerable degree of organizational adaptation. One interpretation of such radical technological change suggests that it is part of a pervasive paradigm shift which is reframing the rules governing best practice in manufacturing and that organization design needs to involve a complete reappraisal rather than a minor adjustment. This article reviews evidence for the emergence of such a paradigm shift and presents some case study data on the nature of organizational changes which characterize it. It concludes with some suggested guidelines for organization designers working toward suitable models for factory organization and management into the next century.