10.3: Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)

10.3
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
Essential idea: Computer-integrated manufacturing uses computers to automatically monitor and control the entire production of a product.

Computer Integrated Manufacture
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. Under a CIM system, all teams can share the same information and easily communicate with one another.

A CIM system uses computer networks to integrate the processing of production and business information with manufacturing operations to create cooperative and smooth-running production lines.

Elements of CIM

Design 
In a CIM system, this is accomplished by a design department through computer aided design while considering the product requirements.

Planning
The planning department take the design and on the computer system and database established by the design department and enriches it with production data and information to produce a plan for the most efficient method production of the product.

Purchasing
The purchase department through the computer system orders the necessary materials to manufacture the product, keeping costs to a minimum.This means that materials/components are ordered as needed (JIT).

Cost accounting
The finance department uses a computer system to deal with the financial resources of a company. Planning of investment, working capital, and cash flow control, realization of receipts, accounting and allocation of funds are the major tasks of the finance departments.

Inventory control
Computerized inventory control systems make it possible to integrate the various functional subsystems that are a part of the inventory management into a single cohesive system. 

Distribution
Distribution (or warehousing) uses the computer system to aid in organizing the storage and retreival of raw materials, components, finished goods as well as shipment of items.