CIM introduction: Some socioeconomic aspects

This paper discusses the various problems arising from the introduction of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) technologies. These involve labor, training, and institutional factors. Because of the lack of any official statistical data covering these problems, the analysis had to be based on some expert estimates, questionnaires, interviews, special studies, etc. Several positive examples of decision sociological, managerial, educational, and institutional problems are illustrated, as well as an international comparison of different approaches in order to make the introduction of these new technologies less painful and more effective.