10.3 Computer Integrated Manufacture

In a CIM system this is accomplished by a design department through CAD (Computer Aided Design) while considering the product requirements.

When the design is complete it is tested or its functions simulated on screen before even a prototype is made.

Database established with a plan for the most efficient production method.

Planning involves several subsystems dealing with materials, facility, process, tools, manpower, capacity, scheduling, outsourcing, assembly, inspection, logistics etc.

The purchase department use CIM to order the necessary materials to manufacture the product. Keeping costs to a minimum..

The ‘just in time’ philosophy is applied. Materials are automatically reordered when required, to keep the factory working smoothly and continuously.

CIM is used to purchase orders and follow up, ensure quality in the production process of the vendor, log the received the items, arrange for inspection and supply the items to the stores or arrange timely delivery depending on the production schedule for eventual supply to manufacture and

assembly.

Manufacturing: Manufacturing elements connected closely to the Purchasing and Design aspects. Using any digital assets produced by the design team (through CAD), products can be manufactured using CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) technologies and other automated manufacturing systems. The use of raw materials and standardised parts are closely integrated with inventory control and purchasing systems.

The finance department uses a CIM to deal with the financial resources of a company.

Planning of investment, working capital, and cash flow control, realisation of receipts, accounting and allocation of funds are the major tasks of the finance departments.

The components of cost accounting are:

• Inventory valuation

• Cost of goods sold valuation

• Constraint analysis

• Margin analysis

• Variance analysis

• Budgeting

CIM makes it possible to integrate the various functional subsystems that are a part of the inventory management into a single cohesive system.

An inventory control system encompasses all aspects of managing a company's inventories including:

• Purchasing

• Shipping

• Receiving

• Tracking

• Warehousing and storage

• Turnover

• Reordering

Distribution (or warehousing) uses CIM to aid in organising the storage and retrieval of raw materials, components, finished goods as well as shipment of items.

All storage is automated using computer controlled vehicles move the finished product from the manufacturing area to storage. The computer systems keep track of every individual product.

Products are bar coded which are constantly scanned and recorded by the computer system. The product is automatically moved from store to awaiting lorries / trucks for distribution to the customer.