Dean and Snell summarise the roles of automation, JIT and TQM as follows: ‘each of the focal manufacturing practices contributes to the realization of integrated manufacturing. In a pure case, the system would involve a streamlined flow of automated, value-added activities converting raw materials into finished goods, uninterrupted by moving, storage or rework. All functions are connected electronically,with a cooperative focus on continuous improvement in cost, quality and lead time. In short, integrated manufacturing eliminates barriers between stages and people, making possible the join pursuit of several strategic manufacturing goals’.