INCREASED USE OF AUTOMATED MACHINERY REQUIRES CHANGES IN QUALITY-CONTROL PROCEDURES

The use of automated or Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines is becoming more commonplace in the manufacturing sequence of many fu rniture and cabinet firms. In this paper, we explore the relationship between the use of CNC machinery and the need for adequate quality in manufacturing furniture and cabinets. A survey of furniture and cabine t manufacturers was conducted to determine the current use of CNC mach inery in the furniture and cabinet industries. Results indicate that t hese industries will continue to see growth in the adoption of CNC equ ipment and that companies have an interest in seeing CNC equipment dev eloped that has built-in statistical process control capabilities.