The role of computer-aided production management in CIM systems

Abstract

Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) systems have been widely developed in western countries, and recognized as an effective production management model. The key problem is integration of hardware and software. More attention should be payed to software integration, especially to computer-aided production management (CAPM), without which it is unrealistic to make full use of all islands of automation and computer-aided management techniques in an enterprise. In this article emphasis is put on studying the relationship between CAPM and other components in a CIM system, and the role of CAPM in CIM systems. The conclusion is that the role of CAPM is the core of activities of an enterprise; the information pivot in a CIM system; the centre of planning and control to balance customer's demand with factory's supply; and the key subsystem for increasing productivity and shortening lead time.