Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) Overview: Motivation, Implementation, Operation

Scott J. Anson, Ph.D., P.E.PLTW Affiliate Professor

Assistant ProfessorRochester Institute of Technology

April 2007

Thanks to Prof. James Rehg providing some slide material

Introduction

The phrase computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) was coined by Dr. J. Harrington, Jr. in 1973.

He argued for an integrated approach to the enterprise and against highly fragmented manufacturing operations that lead to localized optimization.

What is the primary goal of a business?

Motivation

To make $!!!

Recommended reading- “The Goal” by

Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox. Copyright 1984

Motivation

Motivation The ultimate goal of the enterprise is to develop an internal

strategy that raises manufacturing performance to a level higher than that of the competition.

Individual automation cells were and early attempt at increasing profitability.

Motivation

Early automation attempts often failed to support this goal (making $) for three reasons-

1) Automated cells were isolated from the rest of the production system – no data connectivity or poor material flow

2) Deficiencies in the work-cell design process – Engineers often design a cell to copy the manual tasks including copying poor production practices

3) Insufficient training and preparation of people to set up and maintain the systems – training is both technical and cultural (mind set)

Implementation

Failures in early automation implementation lead to the development of CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) which has as much to do with corporate culture as with electron flow and digital logic.

Implementation

Definition:

CIM- The integration of the total manufacturing enterprise though the use of integrated systems and data communications coupled with new managerial philosophies that improve organization and personnel efficiency.

As defined my Computer and Automation Systems Association (CASA) of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)

Implementation

The implementation of CIM system takes three steps Assessment

The organization is studied to determine strengths and weaknesses

Simplification A simplification process is applied to eliminate all waste from

the manufacturing area(s) to be automated Implementation

The acquisition and implementation of the hardware and software for the production cells or manufacturing systems

Implementation – Critical Requirements for Effective CIM Implementation

Teamwork Total quality Improved productivity Reduced waste/ Lean Manufacturing Continuous improvements Common databases Respect and consideration for all ideas regardless of the level of

the organization from which they are initiated

Operation – Major Elements of CIM

Operation – The 1985 CIM Wheel

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) CIM wheel provides a portrayal of relationships among all parts of an enterprise

Operation – The 1993 SME Enterprise Wheel

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) 1985 CIM wheel developed into the 1993 Enterprise Wheel

CIM Summary

Since CIM involves both hardware and business philosophies, there are many different aspects to CIM, and one organizations CIM system might differ substantially from another’s and both can still be CIM

CIM Summary

CIM is the modern way of manufacturing.

Therefore, for Engineers to speak of “Computer Integrated Manufacturing” is almost redundant since the Computer Integrated part is obvious.

Some college level programs are beginning to avoid the term “CIM” because it has been accepted as the only proper way to manufacture.

This does not undermine the validity of the term “CIM” but rather validates it.