Computer Integrated Manufacturing

What is Computer Integrated Manufacturing?

• Computer integrated manufacturing, shortened to CIM uses computers to automatically monitor and control the entire production of a product.

• CIM is a system of manufacturing that uses computers to integrate the processing of production, business and manufacturing in order to create more efficient production lines.
• Integrating computers facilitates sharing of data to create a more flexible and efficient manufacturing system.

Elements of CIM

CIM is integrated into all aspects of the manufacturing process.

Examples

Design

Functions are simulated in a virtual environment (CAD) before prototypes are made

Planning

The computer calculates a plan that outlines the routes, operations, machines and tools required. While attempt to minimize cost, manufacturing time and machine idle time while maximizing productivity and quality.

Purchasing

AI in purchasing stage could be a chatbot that helps with FAQ and/or make suggestions for purchases based on profiles. It can also be used to track demand and adapt production output.

Cost Accounting

Tracking of financial resources, auto-prompted payment reminders.

Inventory Control

A system which keeps track of the stocks, if desired available for customers as well.

Distribution

Keeping track of transport and delivery of individual orders or return orders.

Computer-Aided Design

• Computer-aided design, shortened to CAD is using computers to aid the design process, this could include creating and modifying designs (products), the analysis or simulations.

Advantages

• Changes to ideas can be made quickly and easily (no need for a prototype).
• Communication between client and manufacturer more easily.
• Electronically transferred.
• Avoid costly mistakes/errors.
• Reduce costs as extra prototypes are not needed.
• Saves time through efficient work practices.
• High accuracy/precision.

Disadvantages

• Software/Hardware costs.
• Special training needed.
• Steep learning curve.

Design for Manufacture

• Design for Manufacture, shortened to DfM, designers design specifically for optimum use of existing manufacturing capability.
• When considering design for manufacture designers should be able to integrate computers from the earliest stage of design. This requires knowledge and experience of the manufacturing processes available to ensure integration is efficient and effective.

CIM and Scales for Production

CIM in One-off Production

• One-off production is an individual (often craft-produced) article or a prototype for larger-scale production.

Advantages

• There are no advantages of using CIM in one-off production as opposed to making the product manually.

Disadvantages

• Costs are too to high to be used therefore not suited.
• Not suited for non-complex products.

CIM in Mass Production

• Mass production is the production of large amounts of standardized products on production lines, permitting very high rates of production per worker.

Advantages

• Nicely suited for mass production due to the high flexibility and automation of CIM systems.
• Monitoring of system at all times.
• Great machine utilization.
• Fewer errors and waste.
• Improvements in productivity and quality control.
• Greater consistency.
• Cheaper products.
• Parts easily manufactured and changed.
• Random introduction of parts.
• Less lead time.
• Less labor.
• Higher quality of finish.

Disadvantages

• High initial investment and personnel.
• Training cost.
• Job losses.
• Lack of individuality.

CIM in Mass Customization

• Mass customization is a marketing and manufacturing technique that combines the flexibility and personalization of custom-made products with the low unit costs associated with mass production.
• Mass customization products may also be referred to as made/built to order.

Advantages

• More choice.
• Can design in own requirements.
• Cheaper products.
• Parts easily manufactured and changed.
• Random introduction of parts.
• Less lead time.
• Higher quality of finish.

Disadvantages

• High initial investment and personnel.
• Training cost.
• Job losses.

Investment and Maintenance

• Investment and maintenance of equipment used in CIM.

Advantages

• System is constantly monitored; so if there is a breakdown the type and location of breakdown is easily identified, making maintenance easier.
• Reduces cost of maintenance.
• After the high initial investment, greater profits will be achieved.
• No/less stoppages in production when carrying out maintenance tasks.

Disadvantages

• High initial capital costs/investments due to computers, robots, training of personnel.
• Maintenance is complex, requires highly skilled employees.

Robots in CIM

• Robots are often used in manufacturing as a part of computer integrated manufacturing.

Advantages

• Improve health and safety of workforce.
• High accuracy of work.
• Reduced errors and therefore waste (which saves money).
• Quality of final product is increased.
• Able to perform repetitive and dangerous tasks.
• Works in confined spaces.
• Perform functions 24/7 leading to higher production.
• Re-programmability or flexible.

Disadvantages

• Expertise needed to operate such systems.
• Training of workers required in both operation and maintenance.
• High investment costs.
• High maintenance costs.
• Loss of jobs.