Computer Integrated Manufacturing

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. Through the integration of computers, manufacturing can be faster and less error-prone, although the main advantage is the ability to create automated manufacturing processes. In a CIM system functional areas such as design, analysis, simulation, planning, and purchasing, cost accounting, and scheduling, inventory control, and distribution, product life cycle management, supply chain management are linked through the computer with factory floor functions such as materials handling and management, providing direct control and monitoring of all the operations. To achieve automated manufacturing CIM uses technologies like FMS, ASRS, AGV, Robotics, Mechatronics, automated conveyor systems and computer aided techniques like CAD, CAE, CAM, CAPP, CAQ, PPC, ERP, a business system integrated by a common database.

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