18-09-2017, 01:18 PM
Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) is the manufacturing approach of using computers to control the entire production process. This integration allows individual processes to exchange information with each other and initiate actions. Although manufacturing can be faster and less prone to errors due to the integration of computers, the main advantage is the ability to create automated manufacturing processes. Normally, CIM relies on closed-loop control processes, based on the real-time input of the sensors. It is also known as flexible design and manufacturing.
Computer-integrated manufacturing is used in the automotive, aviation, space and shipbuilding industries. The term "computer-integrated manufacturing" is both a method of manufacture and the name of an automated system in which the individual engineering, production, marketing and support functions of a manufacturing company are organized. In a CIM system, functional areas such as design, analysis, planning, procurement, cost accounting, inventory control and distribution are linked through the computer with factory plant functions, such as material handling and management, providing control and direct monitoring of all operations.
As a manufacturing method, three components distinguish CIM from other manufacturing methodologies:
• Means for storage, retrieval, manipulation and presentation of data;
• Mechanisms to detect modifying states and processes;
• Algorithms for joining the data processing component with the sensor / modification component.
CIM is an example of the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the manufacturing industry. CIM implies that there are at least two computers exchanging information, the controller of an arm robot and a microcontroller. Some factors involved when considering an implementation of CIM are the volume of production, the experience of the company or personnel to perform the integration, the level of integration in the product itself and the integration of production processes. The CIM is very useful when using a high level of ICT in the company or facility, such as CAD / CAM systems, the availability of process planning and its data.