The role of automatic identification (Auto ID) in the computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) architecture

Abstract

Time availability of manufacturing information in the right place and in a usable format has a direct bearing on how organization resources are used to effect the required value-added activities on a product to impart economic value to the end product. The CIM architecture provides a definition and structure to tail or the knowledge base for easy access and utilization to accomplish organizational goals. Most organizations have pockets of localized information domains stemming from individual or group innovativeness in their efforts to overcome obstacles in any given project. Unfortunately, most of this information is not tapped and further disseminated for use at a later time to solve similar problems. There is thus a need, within the CIM architecture construct, for complete and flexible information flow, capturing the procedures for each task. Once capture, timely distribution is required to enable decisions to be made based on up-to-date information. A number of Automatic identification (Auto ID) technologies exist to aid in dealing with informtion capture and dissemination in an automated manufacturing environment, and thus facilitate implementation of the CIM architecture, to address the time value of information in decision making. This paper will examine how Auto ID technologies such as bar code technology, radio frequency technologies and others fit into the structure of CIM architecture, to provide the informational relationships in an organization to link at the facets of the CIM architecture, and provide the knowledge required for the organization to be competitively productive.