Mumbai University > Mechanical Engineering > Sem 7 > CAD/CAM/CAE

Marks: 4 M

Year: May 2012

Obstacles to CIM

There are three major challenges to the development of a smoothly operating CIM system:

• Integration of machines from different suppliers:

  The greatest challenge is to get all the different machines within the factory to work on the same system. In a typical factory there are a variety of machines that perform different tasks, which are made by a variety of suppliers. The issue is to get every one of these machines to accept the programming and tasks from one mainframe computer.

• Data integrity:

  The higher the degree of automation, the more critical is the integrity of the data used to control the machines. While the CIM system saves labour of operating the machines, it requires extra human labour in ensuring that there are proper safe guards for data signals that are used to control the machines.

• Process control:

  Process control assures that the whole process runs smoothly. This particular challenge ties the data entry people, the programmers, and the production operators together. The factory will need to assure that the individuals working with the system throughout the factory are competent and knowledgeable. These individuals will need to be well trained, and probably need to update their training periodically.