In highly automated factories, the entire production process is monitored and controlled by computers. For example, in some food processing factories, computers automatically produce product formulas and production schedules based on incoming orders. The warehouse provides raw materials based on the schedules.
尤其在自動化程度高的工廠中，整個生產過程都用電腦來監控，譬如食品工廠的電腦依據訂單，自動排定產品配方與生產時程，庫房則依據時程自動提取原料；原料何時進入生產線、數量多少、由誰負責，完全由電腦掌控。