Communications in the Industrial World

Abstract

Three main classes of data communications are discussed: (1) short routine messages which are sent in high volumes, although brief, usually convey vital information required in the day to day operation of modern industry; (2) longer, more interactive data exchanges, might include information such as statistics, reports, machine tool data, etc; (3) bulk transfer of data, for example, Ford uses high‐capacity links to transfer car design data and diagrams between its various plants. The discussion highlights the ways in which management can use the technology to good advantage with particular emphasis on emerging technologies which could become important to industry in the future. The possibilities being opened up by the introduction of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and the widespread use of optical fibres are examined. The new services include concepts such as high‐speed facsimile, and the ability to transfer speech and data on one channel. With costs falling rapidly, and technology advancing ever more quickly, data communications will have an increasingly important role to play in engineering management.

Citation

Leakey, D. (1990), "Communications in the Industrial World", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 90 No. 7, pp. 18-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/02635579010000877