Computer integrated manufacturing CIM

S 1d; 2c; 3d; 6d; 7b; 10c; 13b; * 1.2b; 1.3c; 2.3c; 3.2c; 3.3b; 3.5c; 3.6c;
4.2b; 4.3c; 4.4c
The objective of computer integrated manufacturing is the complete integration
of all functional areas of the company into an interactive computer system,
from engineering and manufacturing to marketing and management. Computer
integrated manufacturing is a technology that combines all advanced manufacturing
technologies into one manufacturing system that is capable of producing
and distributing a diversified product through an innovative, flexible
process that optimizes resources to achieve the required standards of quality,
constancy, cost and delivery.
102 Handbook of Production Management Methods

The three fields of computer applications in industry (computers as data

processing, computers as machine members, and computers as engineering aids)
were developed as islands of automation. The transfer of data and information
between one and the other was by manual means. The computer integrated
manufacturing method combines the three separate application fields in one
integrated system.
CIM is a technology that combines all advanced manufacturing technologies
into one manufacturing system that is capable of:
rapid response to manufacturing and market demands;
batch processing with mass-production efficiency;
mass production with flexibility of batch production;
reducing manufacturing cost.
CIM keeps a central database, and in addition incorporates design tools such
as group technology, simulation models, and a design application. Computer
integrated manufacturing encompasses the total manufacturing enterprise.
Therefore, it includes marketing, finance, strategic planning and human
resource management.
The potential benefits of implementing computer integrated manufacturing
began to be demonstrated as a few companies throughout the world began to
achieve major improvements in performance. During recent years, many US
manufacturers have accepted and successfully implemented CIM into their
manufacturing process. Twenty-five companies reported that they boosted
productivity by 64.5% in 5 years. They reduced inventory by 46.3% and manufacturing
costs by 30.4%.
Despite all the money, energy, and time spent by companies trying to automate
their factories, CIM is still an unfulfilled promise for many manufacturers.
Managers have continually struggled with the problem of successfully putting
the pieces together to get the most out of CIM technology. CIM systems technology
is especially sensitive to the neglect of human factors. Successful
implementation of computer integrated manufacturing calls for management
support and involvement. Occasionally, middle managers actively resist
changes. They must become more and more involved in the development of
CIM ventures. To make CIM a reality, they must think in terms of optimizing
the entire process not just individual processes. Management also needs to
think about the overall picture and how CIM and employees will interact to
produce low-cost, quality products with a diverse product mix.
Implementation of CIM requires knowledge and technology in the following
disciplines:
1. Communication