10.3 Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
Essential idea:
Computer-integrated manufacturing uses computers to automatically monitor and control the entire production of a product.
Nature and Aims of Design
Nature of Design
When considering design for manufacture (DfM), 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. Through the integration of computers, the rate of production can be increased and errors in manufacturing can be reduced or eliminated, although the main advantage is the ability to create automated manufacturing processes.
Aims
The integration of computer control into manufacturing can streamline systems, negating the need for time-consuming activities, such as stock-taking, but also reducing the size of the workforce
Guidance
As DP Design Technology student you should:
Elements of CIM: design, planning, purchasing, cost accounting, inventory control, distribution
CIM and scales of production
Concepts and Principles
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
CIM integrate all aspects of production, not just the manufacture of the product, to optimize production. All teams, from accounting to design to manufacture, to shipping collaborate and share information with the goal of optimizing production. It is a highly integrated computer networking system that combines JIT principles with a Lean Manufacturing approach.
Elements of CIM
Design: Leverage the power of CAD/CAM technology to design, prototype, and iterate a design. CAD software can simulate a product and conduct a finite element analysis to generate data on its performance. The software can generate a Bill Of Materials (BOM) as well files and digital assets needed to manufacture the part.
Planning: Using the data provided by the Design team, the Planning Team will generate a production plan that takes into account production costs, available processes, scheduling, etc.
Purchasing: Using the data from the Design and Planning teams, the Purchasing team will coordinate purchasing of materials and parts to produce the product. Inventory is kept to a minimum, following JIT principles. Using sophisticated inventory control software (see Inventory Control), replacement parts and materials are ordered when they reach low levels.
Manufacturing: Manufacturing is closely connected to the Purchasing and Design elements. Using the digital assets produced by the design team, products are manufactured using CAM technologies and automated manufacturing systems. Use of ram materials and parts is closely integrated with inventory control and purchasing systems.
Cost accounting: The Finance team uses software to manage accounts, payments, and investment. Tightly integrated with Inventory Control and Purchasing, they help to ensure that production continues uninterrupted.
Inventory control: A computerized inventory control system ensures that all other systems are able to continue to function efficiently. Inventory control ensures that materials and parts are reordered in a timely manner; tracks the location of materials and parts within the production process; and coordinates with warehousing, shipping and receiving to ensure that inventory levels are at an appropriate level in keeping with JIT principles.
Distribution: Distribution uses computerized systems to manage and organize the storage of raw materials, finished products, and the shipping of the finished to the client. These types of systems make use of bar codes, RFID chips, and increasingly AI technologies to manage and track items in the system.
Advantages and Disadvantages of CIM systems and scales of manufacturing
Sophisticated CIM systems allow companies to operate at a global scope, while achieving economies of scale. The integrated systems streamline the whole process, from design to manufacture to distribution. The integrated monitoring of all systems, especially manufacturing, means that errors and problems can be quickly identified and resolved.
