Definition of CIM

“CIM is the integration of the total manufacturing

enterprise through the use of integrated systems
and data communications coupled with new
managerial philosophies that improve
organizational and personnel efficiency.”

Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) is the

manufacturing approach of using computers to
control the entire production process.
What is CIM?
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.
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
Role of Computer in Manufacturing
The computer has had a substantial impact on
almost all activities of a factory.
The operation of a CIM system gives the user
substantial benefits:
Reduction of design costs by 15-30%;
Reduction of the in-shop time of a part by 30-60%;
Increase of productivity by 40-70%;
Better product quality, reduction of scrap 20-50%.
Manufacturing Method
As a method of manufacturing, three components
distinguish CIM 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.
CIM is an example of the implementation
of Information and Communication Technologies(ICTs)
in manufacturing.
CIM & Production Control
System
Key challenges
There are three major challenges for the development of a smoothly
operating computer-integrated manufacturing system:

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, the 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
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) involves the use of computers
to create design drawings and product models.

CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering)  is the broad usage

of computer software to aid in engineering tasks .

CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) is the use of

computer software to control machine tools and related
machinery in the manufacturing of work pieces.

CAPP (Computer-Aided Process Planning)  is the use of

computer technology to aid in the process planning of a part or
product, in manufacturing.
Cont…
CAQ (Computer-Aided Quality Assurance)  is the
engineering application of computers and computer
controlled machines for the inspection of the quality of
products.
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.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems integrate
internal and external  management information across an
entire organization, embracing finance/accounting,
manufacturing, and sales and services.
Devices and Equipment used in CIM

CNC DNC

PNC
Other Devices….
1. Robotics

2. Computers

3. Software

4. Controllers

5. Networks & Interfacing

 Technologies in CIM
1. FMS
(Flexible Manufacturing System)

2. ASRS (Automated Storage and

Retrieval System)

3. AGV
(Automated Guided Vehicle)

4. Automated conveyance systems &

Robotics
Schematic diagram of the CIM
‘CIMOSA’ (Computer Integrated
Manufacturing Open System Architecture)
CIMOSA provides a solution for business integration with four
types of products:

The CIMOSA Enterprise Modeling Framework, which provides

a reference architecture for enterprise architecture.

CIMOSA IIS, a standard for physical and application

integration.

CIMOSA Systems Life Cycle, is a life cycle model for CIM

development and deployment.

Inputs to standardization, basics for international standard

development.
 Advantages Disadvantages
 Responsiveness to shorter  Unfamiliar technologies
product life cycles used.
 Better process control  Requires major change in
emphasizes product quality corporate culture.
and uniformity.
 Reduction in short term
 Supports and co-ordinates
exchange of information profit.
 Designs components for  Perceived risk is high.
machines.  High maintenance cost and
 Decreases the cost of expensive implementation.
production and maintenance
 Conclusion
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.

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