The Internet

To accomplish e-production the Internet must be looked upon as a working tool on the factory floor, instead of a selling tool according to Lance Gordon (2000). The Internet is an information accessing tool that will allow manufacturers to access production machines remotely in real-time. In the article, “The Cyber Factory: A Web of Intelligent Machines” the author states that the most important development in communications technology will be simplified and standardized interfaces between machines and humans. The low cost and world coverage of the Internet allows a cost effective method for remotely monitoring machine status and allowing the
user to analyze machine processes and implement corrections at any time. Using networked intelligent devices on the factory floor provides the advantages of minimum cost, optimum
competency, equipment sharing, and real-time organization of production.