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Survey of Manufacturing Technology
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The Survey of Manufacturing Technology (SMT) provides the first comprehensive data on the use and diffusion of advanced technology in the manufacturing sector; provides a method for obtaining comparable information on technologies in other sectors (such as nondurable goods industries).
Basic data are collected on the presence and plans for using advanced technologies, establishment characteristics, technologies and other topics. The survey covers 17 specific technologies, including numerically-controlled machines, computer-aided design or engineering technologies, programmable controllers and local area networks. Characteristics data include type of manufacturing, age of plant, primary customer, and price of products sold. Other basic questions include the reasons for not adopting technologies, and interaction with Federal defense agencies.
Detailed Methodology
The sample is selected from all in-scope establishments on the Business Register (BR) list using a stratified random selection procedure.
The survey is conducted periodically, beginning in 1988, as needed to document changes and obtain needed new information. The first survey emphasized prevalence and plans, and was replicated in 1993. A one-time survey was conducted in 1992 to detail the barriers, benefits and costs of advanced technologies. Establishments were stratified based on major kind of business and total employment size, and establishments were selected by simple random sample from each strata. The survey forms use a check box method of inquiry to simplify and facilitate responses. Survey responses are weighted using the inverse probability of selection to represent the universe of covered establishments. The Department of Defense uses the data to assess the diffusion of technology in the manufacturing sector and plans to acquire technology. Other Federal agencies use the data to gauge competitiveness of the U.S. manufacturing sector. The data are also used by the private sector in market analysis, competitiveness assessments, and planning.
To link to external business data, also request County Business Patterns Business Register. Geographic identifiers only available in 1988. CFN available in 1991 and 1993. PPN available in 1988 and 1993.