The CIM Debacle

The underlying philosophy of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is to traverse physical and functional boundaries to promote synergy on an enterprise-wide basis. However, the lack of understanding coupled with prevailing gaps in capability and know-how can undermine the adoption and acceptance of integrated manufacturing, and impose constraints when building such systems. The CIM Debacle approaches this problem by providing a balanced text on enabling and emerging CIM related technologies, discussed in view of the industry's immediate concerns and pragmatic requirements. It explains in a clear manner the issues concerning integrated manufacturing, with particular reference to application software interoperability. The methodologies, software toolset and enabling mechanisms necessary to facilitate software interoperability, functional interaction and workflow management, and to overcome forms of functional modules, are also addressed. Aspects of enterprise modeling, integrating infrastructures to provide an architectural focus to facilitate systems integration, and systems life-cylce support are covered. In addition, a 'proof-of-concept' integrated manufacturing system is also presented in order to show how such a system can be effectively realised. --- "...the underlying concepts exemplified by Valdew Singhs approach to software interoperability will be equally applied post the year 2000, when business objects and software components libraries have become an industrial reality" Professor Richard Weston, Head of Manufacturing System Integration Research Institute Loughborough University, UK --.