Attempts to review the application of multimedia technology in manufacturing

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Abstract 
Multimedia is an application of real time-critical computing. In a networked 
multimedia system such as video conferencing, real-time image communication is the key 
for its success. The application of multimedia in the manufacturing industry has received 
significant attention since the emergence of the Internet and World Wide Web. This paper 
attempts to review the application of multimedia technology in manufacturing 
organisations. In addition, the justification for the application of multimedia in new 
manufacturing environments such as lean agile manufacturing is highlighted. A conceptual 
framework for the design of a multimedia system for manufacturing is presented and 
discussed. Future research directions are also proposed. 
A. Gunasekaran
is a Senior Lecturer of Operations Management in the Department 
of Manufacturing and Engineering Systems at Brunel University, UK. He was awarded a PhD 
in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Indian Institute of Technology, 
Bombay (India). He is the author of over 100 articles published in 
International Journal of 
Production Research, International Journal of Systems Science, International Journal of 
Operations and Production Management, Computers in Industrial Engineering: An 
International Journal, European Journal of Operational Research, Journal of Operational 
Research Society, International Journal of Production Economics, Computers in Industry: 
An International Journal, International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management, 
International Journal of Computer-Integrated Manufacturing
, etc. He has presented over 
40 papers in conferences and given a number of invited talks in more than 20 countries. He is 
on the Editorial Board of several International Journals that include 
International Journal of 
Production Planning and Control, International of Systems Scienc, Supply Chain 
Management: An International Journal, International Journal of Quality and Reliability 
Management.
He has edited special issues for a number of highly reputed International 
Journals. Dr. Gunasekaran has involved in several national and international collaborative 
projects that are funded by private and government agencies. He is currently interested in 
researching Agile Manufacturing, Concurrent Engineering, Multimedia in Manufacturing, 
Supply Chain Management, Computer-Integrated Manufacturing and Total Quality 
Management. 
Peter Love
 is a Lecturer of Construction Management in the School of Architecture 
and Building at Deakin University, Australia. He has a BSc degree in Quantity Surveying 
from the University of Westminster (UK) and a MSc degree in Construction Management 
from Bath University (UK). He has several researched interests that include organization 
and management of projects, the management of information technology, process 
reengineering and system dynamics modelling. He has authored and coauthored numerous 
international journal and conference papers.