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. The CIM Debacle approaches this problem by providing a balanced text on enabling and emerging CIM-related technologies, discussed in view of the industrys immediate concerns and pragmatic requirements. It explains in a clear manner 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 proof-of-concept'integrated manufacturing system is presented to demonstrate how such a system can be effectively realised.