236. (p. 240) HandZone, a manufacturer of high quality gloves and a variety of fashion accessories, already has
both computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. Unfortunately, the two systems cannot
communicate with each other. David Warmdigit, a production manager at HandZone, has heard about some
software that allows CAD and CAM to work together, and wants to learn more about it. David is interested in:
A. linear programming software.
237. (p. 241) Derek manages a manufacturing firm that makes ceramic connectors that are used in jetted tubs.
Additional competition has entered the industry and Derek’s sales have suffered as a result. The marketing
group suggested that despite its cost, additional advertising would be the key to increased profits because the
ads would likely result in some increased sales. The exact amount of increased sales couldn’t be determined
however. The human resources group warned Derek not to try to cut expenses by reducing worker benefits or
he would lose the cooperation of one of the unions that works in the factory. Several other options available to
Derek were to install a CAD/CAM system, lean manufacturing or flexible manufacturing. Even mass
customization was recommended by his factory foreman. Eventually Derek decided the way to increase the
firm’s profitability was to increase its productivity, so Derek likely implemented:
A. additional advertising.