Page 274 - Sensors and Control Systems in Manufacturing

The Role of Sensors and Contr ol Technology in CIM
the model. In the process industry, real-time monitoring and control 233
of the process must be included in the model.
Computer-integrated manufacturing harnesses sensors and con-
trol system technology to integrate these manufacturing and business
objectives. When implemented properly, CIM can deliver increased
productivity, cost-efficiency, and responsiveness throughout the enter-
prise. CIM can accomplish these objectives by addressing each of the
major functional areas of the manufacturing enterprise:
• Marketing
• Engineering research and development of sensors in CIM
strategy
• Production planning
• Plant operations incorporating sensors and shop floor control
systems
• Physical distribution
• Business management
Integrating these functions and their resources requires the abil-
ity to share and exchange information about the many events that
occur during the various phases of production; manufacturing sys-
tems must be able to communicate with the other information sys-
tems throughout the enterprise (Fig. 5.1). There must also be the
means to capture data close to the source, then distribute the data at
the division or corporate level, as well as to external suppliers, sub-
contractors, and even customers.
To meet these needs, the CIM environment requires a dynamic
network of distributed functions. These functions may reside on
independent system platforms and require data from various sources.
Some may be general-purpose platforms, while others are tailored to
specific environments. But the result is an environment that encom-
passes the total information requirements of the enterprise, from
developing its business plans to shipping its products.
With this enterprise-wide purpose, CIM can deliver its benefits to
all types of manufacturing operations, from plants that operate one
shift per day to processes that must flow continuously, from unit fab-
rication and assembly to lots with by-products and coproducts. These
benefits can also be realized in those enterprises where flexible manu-
facturing systems are being used to produce diversified products
over shorter runs, as well as in those that use CIM with sensors and
control systems to maintain an error-free environment.
By creating more efficient, more comprehensive management
information systems through sensors and control systems, CIM sup-
ports management efforts to meet the challenges of competing effec-
tively in today’s world markets.