A Presentation on By: Debojit Das

Introduction: Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) may be viewed as the successor technology which links computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), robotics, numerically controlled machine tools (NCMT), automatic storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), and other computer- based manufacturing technology.

Project Manager Module Enables activation of the CIM manager and CIM setup applications for a selected cell. Contains a list, descriptions and 3D previews. Enables addition, import, export, removal of CIM cells.

CIM Manager Module Supervises the manufacturing processes: Routing, Dispatching, Scheduling, Quality control, Error Handling.

CIM Web Viewer Enables users to remotely access a specific CIM Manager cell and track the production cycle of the CIM cell in real-time

Machine and Process Definition Module Lets user define and modify machines attributes, specific processes that a machine can perform.

Part Definition Module Lets user define and modify the bill of materials for each part, manufacturing processes for each part. Enables definition of three types of parts: purchased, manufactured or by-products (phantom).

MRP - Materials Resource Planning Module Lets user to create, modify and enter list of customers, list of suppliers and customer orders. Generates manufacturing orders, purchase orders and script of instructions.

Storage Management Module Lets user keep track of parts in storage and templates. Manages different types of storage and all types of materials used in CIM.

CIM Optimization Definition Allows users to select machine queue algorithms and define their weight according to various parameters

CIM Performance Analysis Displays data generated from the system's last manufacturing cycle and saves it and the current performance report and its corresponding optimization report

CIM Scheduler Module The CIM Scheduler is displayed as a chart of processes. Displays the timing and scheduling of the different phases of production

Report Generator Module Report generator lets user view and print ten types of predefined reports, or an unlimited number of user-defined reports, using Crystal or other report generating software.

Device Drivers Device drivers are interface programs that translate and transmit messages between the CIM Manager and the various machines and controllers at CIM stations.

3D Graphic Display Module Fully functional, dynamic 3D simulation module accurately simulates the machines, robots and peripheral axes, part manipulation and processing and the physical environment of the CIM cell

3D Virtual CIM Setup Module Virtual CIM design module allows user to create and modify CIM cells and components. The CIM cell setup may represent an actual installation or it may be a virtual cell.

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS Current software version: 4.0 Pentium III 500 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 500 MB available hard disk space, SVGA monitor with 16-bit high color, mouse or input device, CD- ROM drive. PC may also require available RS232 port, USB port, and/or PCI/ISA expansion slot. On networked PCs, Windows compatible LAN interface card is also required. Operating system: Windows 98 SE/2000/XP

CONCLUSION From the above it can concluded that CIM is a modern approach to manufacturing. It has reduced wastage of time as well as of money. Hence in majority of cases this type of manufacturing is used.