Introduction to Computer Based Manufacturing Systems

Abstract

This chapter describes computer based systems that are used to assist in this social process of communication and decision making. In addition to controlling manufacturing processes these systems simultaneously supply much of the data used by the factory information system (FIS) to monitor production performance. A curtailment for integration is the un-abashed exposure computer based manufacturing systems give to problems and performance deficiencies. Because the FIS is the highest level of system under direct manufacturing control, it is the major tool used to manage production operations. The FIS accomplishes operations analyses by using data that is inherently collected by process controllers plus information that is manually entered directly into the system. The FIS data bases are the repository for the results of these analyses. Historical information regarding production capability and problems that affect productivity is thus available in the FIS system.