The CIM Debacle

The underlying philosophy of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) is to traverse physical and functional boundaries so as to promote synergy on an enterprise-wide basis. However, the lack of understanding coupled with prevailing gaps in capability and know-how can undermine its adoption and acceptance, imposing constraints when building such systems. This text approaches this problem by examining enabling and emerging technologies, discussed in view of the industry's immediate concerns and pragmatic requirements. It explains the issues concerning integrated manufacturing, with particular reference to application software interoperability. The methodologies, software tool-set and enabling mechanisms necessary to facilitate software interoperability, functional interaction and workflow management, and to overcome forms of functional modules are also addressed. In addition, a roof-of-concept integrated manufacturing system is presented to demonstrate how such a system can be effectively realized.