Technology Seminar- C.I.M.Concept

C.I.M. CONCEPT

                 

          Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (C.I.M.) refers to the use of computer-controlled machinery and automation systems in manufacturing products. This integration allows individual processes to exchange information with each other and initiate actions. Although manufacturing can be faster and less error-prone by the integration of computers, the main advantage is the ability to create automated manufacturing processes. Typically C.I.M. relies on closed-loop control processes, based on real-time input from sensors. It is also known as flexible design and manufacturing.

Manufacturing Systems Integration Program, N.I.S.T. 2008

             Computer-integrated manufacturing is used in automotive, aviation, space, and ship building industries. The term "computer-integrated manufacturing" is both a method of manufacturing and the name of a computer-automated system in which individual engineering, production, marketing, and support functions of a manufacturing enterprise are organized. In a C.I.M. system functional areas such as design, analysis, planning, purchasing, cost accounting, inventory control, and distribution are linked through the computer with factory floor functions such as materials handling and management, providing direct control and monitoring of all the operations.

             As a method of manufacturing, three components distinguish C.I.M. from other manufacturing methodologies:

• Means for data storage, retrieval, manipulation and presentation;
• Mechanisms for sensing state and modifying processes;
• Algorithms for uniting the data processing component with the sensor/modification component.

C.I.M. is an example of the implementation of information and communication technologies (I.C.T.s) in manufacturing.

C.I.M. implies that there are at least two computers exchanging information, e.g. the controller of an arm robot.

           Some factors involved when considering a C.I.M. implementation are the production volume, the experience of the company or personnel to make the integration, the level of the integration into the product itself and the integration of the production processes. C.I.M. is most useful where a high level of I.C.T. is used in the company or facility, such as C.A.D./C.A.M. systems, the availability of process planning and its data.