Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is a management philosophy in which the functions of design and manufacturing are rationalized and coordinated using
computer, communication, and information technologies” according to Bedworth et al. (1991). CIM has the capability to largely or entirely automate flexible
manufacturing by coordinating work cells, robots, automatic storage and retrieval facilities and material handling systems.

CIM is the use of computer systems to integrate a manufacturing enterprise. CIM provides the tools to enable the use of organizational programs such as Total
Quality Management, Continuous Improvement, Concurrent Engineering, and Design for Manufacturability, Design for Assembly, and back-to
basics concept of “Do it right the first time”. Integrating information and organizations will decrease the logistical size of a company, making it appear to be small again-at least from the management, administration, and information-sharing viewpoints. The goal of CIM is to provide the computer applications and communications needed to bring about the integration (with matching organizational changes) that will allow a company to take advantage of these new capabilities. The CIM technologies may include:
  • Computer-aided design
  • Computer-aided manufacture
  • Computer numerically controlled machines
  • Flexible manufacturing systems
  • Robotics
  • Automated material handling systems
  • Group technology
  • Manufacturing resource planning

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