Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM)

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 error-prone by the
integration of computers, the main advantage is the ability to create automated manufacturing
processes. Typically, CIM relies on closed-loop control processes, based on real-time input from
sensors. It is also known as flexible design and manufacturing

Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) refers to the use of computer- controlled machineries and
automation systems in manufacturing products. CIM combines various technologies like computer-
aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to provide an error-free manufacturing
process that reduces manual labor and automates repetitive tasks. The CIM approach increases the
speed of the manufacturing process and uses real-time sensors and closed-loop control processes to
automate the manufacturing process. It is widely used in the automotive, aviation, space and ship-
building industries.

•CIM is the integration of all enterprise operations and activities around a common corporate data
repository. •It is the use of integrated systems and data communications coupled with new managerial
philosophies. •CIM is not a product that can be purchased and installed. •It is a way of thinking and
solving problems. •This integration allows individual processes to exchange information with each other
and initiate actions.

CIM is a manufacturing approach that provides a complete automation of a manufacturing facility. All
the operations are controlled by computers and have a common storage and distribution. The various
processes involved in a CIM are listed as follows:

•Computer-aided design •Prototype manufacture •Determining the efficient method for manufacturing
by calculating the costs and considering the production methods, volume of products, storage and
distribution•Ordering of the necessary materials needed for the manufacturing process• Computer-aided
manufacturing of the products with the help of computer numerical controllers• Quality controls at
each phase of the development.• Product assembly with the help of robots• Quality check and
automated storage• Automatic distribution of products from the storage areas to awaiting
lorries/trucks• Automatic updating of logs, financial data and bills in the computer system

CIM is a combination of different applications and technologies like CAD, CAM, computer- aided
engineering, robotics, manufacturing resource planning and enterprise management solutions. It can
also be considered as an integration of all enterprise operations that work with a common data
repository.

The major components of CIM are as follows:

• Data storage, retrieval, manipulation and presentation mechanisms

• Real-time sensors for sensing the current state and for modifying processes

• Data processing algorithms

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Potential Benefits of CIM

•Improved customer service Improved quality •Shorter time to market with new products Shorter flow
time •Shorter vendor lead time Reduced inventory levels Improved schedule performance •Greater
flexibility and responsiveness Improved competitiveness •Lower total cost •Shorter customer lead time
•Increase in manufacturing productivity Decrease in work-in process inventory

Key challenges

Integration of components from different suppliers: When different machines, such as CNC,
conveyors and robots, are using different communications protocols. In the case of AGVs (automated
guided vehicles), even differing lengths of time for charging the batteries

may cause problems.

Data integrity: The higher the degree of automation, he more critical is the integrity of the data used to
control the machines. While the CIM system saves on labor of operating the machines, it requires extra
human labor in ensuring that there are proper safeguards for the

data signals that are used to control the machines

Process control: Computers may be used to assist the human operators of the manufacturing facility,
but there must always be a competent engineer on hand to handle circumstances which could not be
foreseen by the designers of the control software

Subsystems in computer integrated manufacturing

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CAD (Computer Aided Design) involves the use of computers to create

design drawings and product models.
o CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) is the broad usage of computer
software to aid in engineering tasks.
o CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) is the use of computer
software to control machine
tools and related machinery in the manufacturing of work pieces.
o CAPP (Computer Aided Process Planning) is the use of computer
technology to aid in the process planning of a part or product, in
manufacturing.
o CAQ (Computer Aided Quality Assurance) is the engineering
application of computers and computer controlled machines for the
inspection of the quality of products.
o PPC (Production Planning and Control) A production (or
manufacturing) planning and control (MPC) system is concerned with
planning and controlling all aspects of manufacturing, including materials,
scheduling machines and people, and coordinating suppliers and
customers.
o ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems integrate internal and
external management information across an entire organization,
embracing finance/accounting, manufacturing, and sales and services.
Technologies in CIM
FMS (Flexible Manufacturing System)
ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) AGV (Automated
Guided Vehicle)
Automated conveyance systems & Robotics