often with computerized systems that use robot - controlled machinery. Automaton is expensive, however, and is not a cure - all for an obsolete production process. Many problems are rooted in systems and attitudes, and by focusing on those areas first, the firm can reap even greater gains from automaton a process, employee involvement and motivation are the first step, and simplification of the exisiting process is second. Only then should a large investment in automation be considered. Innovative and experimental applications, including changes in systems and attitudes, now permeate business from product design to production scheduling, the manufacturing process, inventory management, quality control, and strategic making.