ASSESSMENT OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IN MANUFACTURING COMPANIES TO IMPROVE QUALITY AND PROFIT

Quality dissatisfaction of products expressed by clients in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa is an increasing concern considered worthy to be investigated. This paper's objectives are to assess and document how advanced technology is used in different manufacturing industries to improve quality of the products and generate high profit in Johannesburg South Africa. The study followed both quantitative and qualitative design approach methods. Data collection for the study was based on the use of questionnaires, observations, and individual interviews. The respondents were groups divided into three in which the first group had a sample size of 292 participants who believed that skills, knowledge and training in advanced manufacturing can improve the quality of products and increase profits, the second group consisted of 70 participants who believed that no skills, knowledge and training in advanced manufacturing can hinder quality of products and increase costs of production and the last group consisted of participants who believed that it is 50% chances from the two above mentioned categories. The study was conducted only in one city of South Africa that is providing manufacturing services and could not include other cities and other countries due to lack of time. Findings show that there is a relationship between quality and advanced technology justified by the strong positive correlation, the use of advanced technology was found to play the greatest role in helping manufacturing industries to produce high quality products and increase profits. The first group's responses resulted in high variability, which limits the study's conclusion fairness. A sample size of 292 respondents was targeted, however, only 29 participants responded which is only 10% responses. Each manufacturing industry had its own set of challenges with regards to the implementation and use of advanced manufacturing technology in the industry. The study definitively answers the questions regarding correlation between the use of advanced technology and quality in manufacturing industries. The recommendations made in this study can be implemented as a solution to the problems of reduced profits and poor quality of products faced by manufacturing industries.