1. Technologies in Manufacturing
   1. Hardware Systems
   2. Software Systems
      
      
2. Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
   
   
3. Evaluation of Technology Investments
   
   
4. Benefits of Technology Investments
   1. Cost Reduction
   2. Other Benefits
   1. Risks in Adopting New Technologies
      1. Technological Risks
      2. Operational Risks
      3. Organizational Risks
      4. Environmental or Market Risks

Most of the recent growth in productivity has come from the application of operations technology. In services this comes from information processing and in manufacturing from a combination of soft and hard or machine technologies.

Examples of major types of manufacturing technologies are numerically controlled machine tools, machining centers, industrial robots, computer-aided design and manufacturing systems, automated materials handling systems, flexible manufacturing systems, automated manufacturing planning and control systems, and computer integrated manufacturing.

Before a firm acquires new technology, it must carefully assess its financial and strategic benefits. Technologies are not always cost-effective, and firms must consider either costs reductions or other intangible market benefits that can result from a new technology. Risks in adopting a new technology can be operational, organizational, or market risks.

Technology has played the dominant role in the productivity growth of most nations and has provided the competitive edge to firms adopting it early and implemented it successfully. As technologies continue to improve and are adopted more widely, their costs may decline and place them within the reach of smaller firms. Total commitment of top management and all employees is critical for the successful implementation of technology.