Computer integrated manufacturing CIM includes manufacturing systems that have
|
In an era where computers are at the core of production processes worldwide, understanding computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), and how it can improve operations, is more crucial than ever. In layman’s term, this is CIM explained... Show
Complex definitions of computer-integrated manufacturing have ‘muddied the waters’ when it comes to understanding what it is and how it can improve production processes. Amid the jargon, it’s easy to lose sight of the benefits that CIM delivers. What is CIM and how does it work?In straightforward terms, CIM is the technique of using computers to control an entire production process. It’s commonly used by factories to automate functions such as analysis, cost accounting, design, distribution, inventory control, planning and purchasing. These functions are often linked to a central, computer-controlled station to enable efficient materials handling and management, while delivering direct control and monitoring of all operations simultaneously. Essentially, every individual piece of a manufacturing process including engineering, production and marketing is organized. This infographic highlights 10 key functions of CIM: What are the benefits of CIM? 'Computer-integrated manufacturing that works gets the thumbs up.' The sole objective of computer-integrated manufacturing is to streamline production processes, delivering the following benefits:
Ultimately, the goal is to achieve maximum efficiency, closing those gaps that obstruct productivity and result in the bottom-line taking a hit. Additionally, CIM plays a key role in gathering relevant, real-time data from the production floor. For instance, to optimize efficiency, CIM can monitor the operational performance of vital equipment. Arguably the biggest benefit of CIM is the increase in output capacity it brings. Manufacturing enterprises can go from concept to completion in rapid time, meaning they can produce more in shorter timeframes, which has a positive impact on profitability, customer retention and attracting new customers. What are the challenges of CIM?'One of the key challenges of computer-integrated manufacturing is damage prevention.' Computers are prone to damage, especially in an industrial setting. The knock on effects of computer failure, for an enterprise that relies solely on computers remaining operational, can be catastrophic and result in:
When integrated, CIM is responsible for the complete production process. With so much riding on its performance, it’s baffling that many manufacturing firms fail to invest in adequate protection for what is undoubtedly a capital asset. For instance, specially designed environmental computer enclosures are readily available and exist to protect CIM processes. They are a safe-haven for computers, shielding against external elements such as dust, dirt and liquids and even forklift trucks, just in case ‘Dave’ accidentally reverses into a computer that’s critical to a production operation. Another key challenge facing CIM is a skills shortage. Many manufacturing firms are lacking skilled-technicians able to operate those systems crucial to CIM. In some quarters, CIM has been slammed for causing jobs losses. In fact, it creates more jobs, but there’s a lack of skills among the current manufacturing workforce, which makes things slightly complicated. That said, CIM represents an opportunity to upskill the current manufacturing workforce. Ultimately, CIM can benefit manufacturing facilities two-fold:
Considering computer integration on the factory floor? Call +1-866-434-0807 for a no obligation chat, or fill in a contact form to request more information. 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 part. Manufacturing can be faster and less error-prone by the integration of computers. Typically CIM relies on closed-loop control processes based on real-time input from sensors. It is also known as flexible design and manufacturing. Overview[edit]
CIM is an example of application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Manufacturing process. CIM is an example of the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in manufacturing. CIM implies that there are at least two computers exchanging information, e.g. the controller of an arm robot and a micro-controller. CIM is most useful where a high level of ICT is used in the company or facility, such as CAD/CAM systems, and the availability of process planning and its data. History[edit]The idea of "digital manufacturing" became prominent in the early 1970s, with the release of Dr. Joseph Harrington's book, Computer Integrated Manufacturing. However,it was not until 1984 when computer-integrated manufacturing began to be developed and promoted by machine tool manufacturers and the Computer and Automated Systems Association and Society of Manufacturing Engineers (CASA/SME). "CIM is the integration of total manufacturing enterprise by using integrated systems and data communication coupled with new managerial philosophies that improve organizational and personnel efficiency." ERHUMIn a literature research was shown that 37 different concepts of CIM were published, most of them from Germany and USA. In a timeline of the 37 publications it is possible to see how the CIM concept developed over time. Also it is quite markable how different the concepts of all publications are.CIM & production control system: Computer Integrated Manufacturing is used to describe the complete automation of a manufacturing plant, with all processes running under computer control and digital information tying them together. Key challenges[edit]There are three major challenges to development of a smoothly operating computer-integrated manufacturing system:
Subsystems[edit]A computer-integrated manufacturing system is not the same as a "lights-out factory", which would run completely independent of human intervention, although it is a big step in that direction. Part of the system involves flexible manufacturing, where the factory can be quickly modified to produce different products, or where the volume of products can be changed quickly with the aid of computers. Some or all of the following subsystems may be found in a CIM operation: Computer-aided techniques: Devices and equipment required: Technologies: Others: CIMOSA (Computer Integrated Manufacturing Open System Architecture), is a 1990s European proposal for an open systems architecture for CIM developed by the AMICE Consortium as a series of ESPRIT projects. The goal of CIMOSA was "to help companies to manage change and integrate their facilities and operations to face world wide competition. It provides a consistent architectural framework for both enterprise modeling and enterprise integration as required in CIM environments". CIMOSA provides a solution for business integration with four types of products:
CIMOSA according to Vernadat (1996), coined the term business process and introduced the process-based approach for integrated enterprise modeling based on a cross-boundaries approach, which opposed to traditional function or activity-based approaches. With CIMOSA also the concept of an "Open System Architecture" (OSA) for CIM was introduced, which was designed to be vendor-independent, and constructed with standardised CIM modules. Here to the OSA is "described in terms of their function, information, resource, and organizational aspects. This should be designed with structured engineering methods and made operational in a modular and evolutionary architecture for operational use". What are included in computer integrated manufacturing?In straightforward terms, CIM is the technique of using computers to control an entire production process. It's commonly used by factories to automate functions such as analysis, cost accounting, design, distribution, inventory control, planning and purchasing.
What does CIM mean in manufacturing?Description: Computer Integrated Manufacturing, known as CIM, is the phrase used to describe the complete automation of a manufacturing plant, with all processes functioning under computer control with digital information tying them together.
What are the four 4 design criteria of CIMS?According to Kusiak the computer plays an important role integrating the following functional areas of a CIM system: Part and product design. There are four phases that are crucial in part and product design. They include preliminary design, refinement, analysis, and implementation.
Which is the function of computer in CIM system?In a CIM system functional areas such as design, analysis, planning, purchasing, cost accounting, inventory control, and distribution are linked through the computer with factory floor functions such as materials handling and management, providing direct control and monitoring of all the operation.
|
