Page 287 - Sensors and Control Systems in Manufacturing

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5.4 Design of CIM with Sensors and Control Systems
With the advent of low-priced computers and sensors and control
systems, a number of technological developments have arisen
related to manufacturing that can be used to make production more
efficient and competitive. The primary purpose is to develop several
computer-concepts as related to the overall manufacturing plan of
CIM systems.
In order for the manufacturing enterprise to succeed in the
future, it is imperative it adopt a manufacturing strategy that inte-
grates its various functions. CIM systems have the potential to
accomplish this task. The implementation of CIM with sensory and
control systems on the shop floor represents a formidable, albeit
obtainable, objective. To accomplish this goal, enterprises must have
access to information on what is available in CIM. A secondary pur-
pose of obtaining access to information is to provide a framework
that can aid in the search for information. Once the information is
obtained, it becomes necessary to look at the current system objec-
tively and decide how to approach the problem of implementing
CIM with sensors and control systems.
While many of the ideas associated with CIM are new and untried,
progressive enterprises, with the realization that old methods are
ineffective, are doing their part in implementing this new technology.
Some of the concepts currently being implemented are flexible manu-
facturing systems, decision support systems (DSS), artificial intelli-
gence (AI), just-in-time (JIT) inventory management, and group tech-
nology. While all of these concepts are intended to improve efficiency,
each one alone can only accomplish so much. For example, an FMS
may reduce work-in-process (WIP) inventory while little is accom-
plished in the area of decision support systems and artificial intelli-
gence to relate all aspects of manufacturing management and tech-
nology to each other for FMS. The advent of inexpensive sensors and
control systems enables the concept of CIM to be implemented with
greater confidence.
Recent advances in computer technology and sensors in terms of
speed, memory, and physical space have enabled small, powerful,
personal computers to revolutionize the manufacturing sector and
become an essential part of design, engineering, and manufacturing,
through, for example, database management systems (DBMSs) and
local area networks (LANs). The coordination of the various aspects
of a manufacturing environment means that complex systems inher-
ently interact with one another. Due to a lack of standards and poor
communication between departments, many components and data-
bases are currently incompatible.
Table 5.1 describes some benefits of CIM. The potential for CIM,
according to Table 5.1, is overwhelming, but the main issue is how to