Data Resource Management for CIM Systems: Challenges and Design Considerations

Abstract

At the heart of successful automated manufacturing systems lies the idea of effective integration of various functions. In any sizeable application of a Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) system, an enormous amount of complex data needs to be logically integrated and managed. Presents and discusses the complex nature of CIM data and the difficulties associated with managing them. Given these difficulties, effective data management of such advanced manufacturing systems poses a challenging task for system designers and managers. Given the growing rate of diffusion of relational databases, it is important to explore the capabilities of this technology in serving the data management needs of manufacturing systems. Proposes a relational database schema, as opposed to a hierarchical or a network model. Uses appropriate examples from a Cellular Manufacturing setting to illustrate the proposed schema. Discusses issues related to distributing and logically integrating databases, and outlines managerial implications associated with rapidly changing information management technologies.