CIM Project Research Articles

Exploring the factors and outcomes of collaborative information monitoring: Findings of a cross‐case analysis

AbstractCollaborative information monitoring (CIM) involves intentional information monitoring activities pursued by a group and could help researchers keep up to date. This paper reports findings of a cross‐case analysis aimed to explore the perceived factors and outcomes of CIM. Seven cases were included in the study, representing 11 members of patient‐oriented research communities (i.e., researchers, trainees, clinicians, research professionals, managers), who have implemented projects in a dedicated CIM system called eSRAP. Data were collected with semistructured interviews, verified with system logs and CIM project documents. Data were analyzed using a deductive/inductive thematic analysis. Cross‐case analysis revealed four types of cases, those that engaged in CIM with eSRAP, without eSRAP, used eSRAP individually (i.e., did not collaborate), or did not collaborate and did not use eSRAP. Analysis confirmed theory‐based types of factors (personal, group, organizational, environmental, information sources, system, task) and outcomes (performance, behavioral, cognitive, affective, relational) and generated new subtypes. The factor specific to cases that engaged in CIM (with or without eSRAP) was group leadership. Specific outcomes were motivation and discussion. Our findings contribute to conceptualizing CIM and can inform practice by providing actionable recommendations for supporting and sustaining CIM projects.

The Grimsel Test Site – more than 35 years of underground research

Abstract. Nagra and its international partners have been conducting underground research projects at the Grimsel Test Site (GTS, https://www.grimsel.com, last access: 8 November 2021) for more than 35 years. The results have been incorporated directly into modelling, safety and engineering feasibility studies necessary for the siting and construction of deep geological repositories. Various types of experiments are carried out at the GTS, each involving field testing, laboratory studies, design and modelling tasks, thus integrating all scientific aspects. Projects are typically planned over a 5 year period with the option to extend depending on the latest findings from the experiment. In the current 5 year programme (2019–2023) new phases of running in situ experiments using radionuclides were started and include the Long-Term Diffusion experiment (LTD) and the Colloid Formation and Migration project (CFM). A completely new experiment studying the migration of C-14 and I-129 in aged cement (CIM) was also initiated. Other experiments focusing mostly on engineered barrier materials were continued such as the Material Corrosion Test (MaCoTe), which is studying anaerobic corrosion of candidate canister materials in bentonite (Fig. 1). Also, a 1:1 scale experiment studying the high-temperature (>175∘C) effects on bentonite materials (HotBENT project) was started last year. In this paper we provide an overview of the CIM, LTD and MaCoTe projects, including key findings so far. In addition to research, the GTS, as part of the Grimsel Training Centre (GTC), is also used as an education platform for knowledge transfer to the next generation of scientists and engineers in the area of radioactive waste disposal and geosciences.

Modeling and Simulation for Overhead Hoist Transporter System in Computer Integrated Manufacturing; A Case Study on the Food Processing Business

Computer integrated manufacturing, CIM, has attracted many interests both in academic research and practical implementation. Design and implementation of a CIM project involves the massive modeling, simulation, and verification of production operations, machines, and operators. Overhead hoist transporter, OHT, is one of the effective tools for the automated material handling system that often applied in CIM projects to ultimate the utilization of footprint of a factory. This paper presents a case study for the OHT system design in a CIM project for automated food processing production line. The effectiveness of the number of OHTs installed for the production line and the proper operation scenarios for different production planning are studied. Modeling and simulation results are performed to suggest an efficient OHT system design for the CIM project.

Publishing Juan de Mena: an overview of the editorial traditions

This study traces the editorial traditions of the works of Juan de Mena from 1483 through 1590 and shows the geographical and chronological distribution of editions, paying particular attention to the mise en recueil of his poetic works. It then analyzes the mise en page of the editions, with particular analysis of the 1552 Antwerp editions. The article includes a catalog of editions with sigla according to the norms of the CIM project, and two tables comparing editorial production by work and year, and the distribution of editions by place.

Quantifying the benefits of automation

Process automation, CIM and paperless manufacturing are operational strategies being developed to support the changing business strategies in pharmaceuticals. Present FDA activities appear to make automation an attainable GMP regulatory reality. Operations are being required to provide greater benefits in the form of efficiencies, manpower rationalization, and productivity gains in order to justify new CIM and automation projects. This paper describes where benefits have been identified and quantified in operational environments.

Integrated Modelling Techniques for CIM systems Requirements Analysis

Conceptual modelling of business processes at the initiation phase of the CIM project life cycle is investigated The conceptual meta-model based on the open-EDI model and requirements specification language KAOS is elaborated and used as an intermediate language for requirements specification. The dimensions of integrated modelling in knowledge engineering context are outlined. The class structure and intensional definitions for concept classes used in software specifications are derived and their formalization operations analyzed.

Evaluation of DSS use in Hong Kong manufacturing industries

This paper presents the findings on how Hong Kong manufacturers use computer-based information systems for production planning and control. The local scene is characterized by original equipment manufacturing (OEM) business. The results of empirical surveys on the use of computer-based information systems are presented and elaborated. It was found that the behavior of the manufacturers is revealed in their expectations and attitudes about the use of decision support systems for production planning and control. As experience grows, a local manufacturer tends to organize its own way of systems efforts. Finally a conclusion is drawn about Hong Kong manufacturers' desire towards CIM projects.

A methodology for expressing CIM reference architectures

TNO is doing research in many areas of industrial automation and is heavily involved in European projects financed by R&D programmes such as Esprit, Eureka and Brite, and in many ISO and CEN standardization activities. From this experience it becomes clear that the I of Integration in CIM has not only to do with the integration of the so-called “islands of automation” but also with the integration of ”islands of manufacturing”: how we can improve the transfer of manufacturing knowledge. We have to increase the semantic content of our integration approaches, so that not only can computer scientist be involved, but also people from the companies we are trying to help, and people who are responsible for the development of new CIM components. The real problem is not a problem of technical integration of computers, but much more a “conceptual modelling” problem. Fundamental questions are, for instance, how we can, on the semantic level really required, model information transfer upstream and downstream in the product life cycle. Based on the analysis of existing CIM projects such as CAD∗I, CIM- OSA, Open CAM Systems (Esprit I) IMPACT (Esprit II), CAM-I's CIM Architecture, the Danish Principal model for CIM, and more, we developed a generic and reusable CIM reference architecture. This architecture shows manufacturing activities, real and information flow objects, CIM components and industrial automation standards like STEP, MAP, TOP, EDIFACT, MMS etc. in an integrated way. In this paper we describe the CIM base model used to express the CIM reference architecture and give some details of the CIM reference architecture itself.

A Modelling Framework for Integrated Factory Automation

A possible way for modelling the knowledge acquisition at the initiation phase of the CIM project life cycle is investigated. CIM system requirements specification framework based on the concepts of autonomous entities, the open-EDI model and requirements specification language KAOS is proposed. An illustrative sample problem is also given.

CIM progress in a Korean heavy-industry company

Abstract The progress of CIM development in a major Korean heavy-industry company is reported, from the initial stage for planning to the installation of the first of the CIM ‘modules’. We discuss several key aspects of the planning and development stages including formation of a CIM project team, role of a CIM ‘champion’, developing a CIM model and a master plan, and developing a major planning system as a part of the overall CIM project. Also discussed are the consequent benefits and lessons learned from the ongoing CIM effort for the case company.

Introduction to the ESPRIT Programme

Abstract ESPRIT, the European Strategic Programme for Research and Development in Information Technology, was launched in 1984 as a 10-year programme. Now, just after the first 5-year phase, the International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing has chosen an opportune moment to present a highly welcome survey of the CIM projects forming part of the ESPRIT programme. Rather than discuss the results of specific projects, this contribution to the special issue sets out to provide a general overview of the ESPRIT programme, its objectives and achievements, and a broad outline of the CIM sub-programme's more specific aims.

Knowledge-based adaptive control of FMS Contributing to CIM

Basic concepts embedded in a knowledge-based adaptive control system and a dynamic adaptive scheduling methodology for FMSs are discussed in the paper. To cope with dynamically changing environments and demands, the proposed control system is enabled with adaptivity, a new model-reformulative approach to scheduling and a dynamic functional integration feature contributing to CIM trends. Motives and a historical review of the development in the frame of a CIM project are also outlined in a brief summary in the introduction.

Human centred advanced manufacturing systems: From rhetoric to reality

The nature of, and rationale for, the design and implementation of human centred advanced manufacturing systems are discussed. The difficulties confronting proponents of the human centred approach are described in the context of the relationship between ergonomics and engineering design disciplines. Methods currently under development within a European human centred CIM project are described in the light of these discussions.

Allocating functions in computer integrated manufacturing: a review and a new method

Abstract This paper describes the importance of allocating functions in advanced manufacturing systems, both for the system and for the people. Existing approaches to allocation are reviewed, along with some of their weaknesses. A set of requirements of allocation methods is outlined, which if met would promote their ‘usability’ for designers. As a result of collaborating in an ESPRIT CIM project, a new method for function allocation is described and its potential usability assessed.

Elements of cost-effective CIM

Abstract The paper initially describes the creation of an investment analysis program whose use enables all the factors surrounding a CIM or AMT project to be quantified, including such important ‘intangible’ aspects as improved manufacturing flexibility or enhanced product quality. Following an historical review of the constituent elements of CIM, and a projection of these technologies into the near future, CAD, CAM, MRP and FMS are subsequently discussed in terms of overall system economics. From this base, it is shown that by analysing each sub-set of CIM with respect to its economic impact on a company, the appropriate level of investment for a specific situation can be correctly determined, and it becomes possible to predict how emerging technologies will develop. The paper concludes by discussing a selection of future research areas which must be successfully investigated if CIM is to become a working reality.