Page 272 - Sensors and Control Systems in Manufacturing

The Role of Sensors and Contr ol Technology in CIM
its set of processes is, it shares with others the same set of high-level 231
objectives. To attain the objectives, the following criteria must be met:

• Management of manufacturing finances and accounting
• Development of enterprise directives and financial plans
• Development and design of product and manufacturing pro-
cesses utilizing adequate and economical sensors and control
systems
• Management of manufacturing operations
• Management of external demands

5.2.1 The CIM Plan in Manufacturing
In manufacturing, CIM promotes customer satisfaction by allowing
order entry from customers, faster response to customer inquiries and
changes, via electronic sensors, and more accurate sales projections.
5.2.2 The CIM Plan in Engineering and Research
In engineering and research, CIM benefits include quicker design,
development, prototyping, and testing; faster access to current and
historical product information; and the paperless release of products,
processes, and engineering changes to manufacturing.

5.2.3 The CIM Plan in Production Planning
In production planning, CIM offers more accurate and realistic pro-
duction scheduling that requires less expediting, canceling, and
rescheduling of production and purchase orders.
In plant operations, CIM helps control processes, optimize inven-
tory, improve yields, manage changes to product and processes, and
reduce scrap and rework. CIM also helps in utilizing people and
equipment more effectively, eliminating production crises, and reduc-
ing lead time and product costs.

5.2.4 The CIM Plan in Physical Distribution
In physical distribution, where external demands are satisfied with
products shipped to the customer, CIM helps in planning require-
ments; managing the flow of products; improving efficiency of ship-
ping, vehicle, and service scheduling; allocating supplies to distribu-
tion centers; and expediting processing of returned goods.

5.2.5 The CIM Plan for Business Management
For business management activities such as managing manufactur-
ing, finance, and accounting, and developing enterprise directives
and financial plans, CIM offers better product cost tracking, more
accuracy in financial projections, and improved cash flow.