03-05-2017, 01:16 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.
Manufacturing integrated into the computer is used in the automotive, aviation, space and shipbuilding industries. The term "computer-integrated manufacturing" is both a manufacturing method 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:
• Media for storage, retrieval, manipulation and presentation of data;
• Mechanisms for detecting states and modifying processes;
• Algorithms for joining the data processing component with the sensor / modification component.
The CIM is an example of the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT) in manufacturing. CIM implies that there are at least two computers exchanging information, eg. The controller of an arm robot and a microcontroller of a CNC machine. Some factors involved when considering an implementation of CIM are the production volume, the experience of the company or the personnel to do the integration, the level of integration in the own product and the integration of the production processes. The CIM is most 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.