he product gets to the retail outlet, no consumers are willing to buy. This would leave the factory with surplus inventory on hand. The workers would lose their jobs because the factory would go broke.
Shaiken notes that some automation is unreliable, and that downtime on a machine based system can shut down the whole manufacturing process. But a human labor force goes on strike, calls in sick, or otherwise delays production at will. This can be eliminated with a machine based system. Shaiken points out the advantages of automation when discussing the cost effectiveness of robots, and these advantages apply to the doll machine:
The basic robot is also instantly available as a building
block for a more advanced system. Rather than having to
design special purpose machines with all the lead time that
this requires, robots can be adapted to highly specific
functions through software and a minimum of tooling. The
same robot,f or example, can be sued to weld cars or unload
machine tools. Another oft cited contribution is higher
quality. . . . Robots themselves are becoming increasingly
Shaiken points out disadvantages of robots as well. One is the "critical learning curve [required] to use robots effectively, particularly in a complex system" (166). Another is the capital intensive nature of robots, "since most jobs that are done by a robot can either be accomplished by a worker or by other mechanical means" (167). A third is "resistance in the workplace" (167). Assuming the capital is available, the real question becomes how the machine system will be installed, brought up to speed, and operated over the long term by outside computer robotics consultants or by the existing labor force. The former choice has two risks high consultant fees and worker animosity during installation as they see their jobs disappearing. The latter choice has two slightly dif...