A data oriented approach to integrating manufacturing functions in flexible Manufacturing Systems

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) seeks to integrate computers into the manufacturing environment, with the end result being a more efficient and productive factory. Current approaches to CIM generally fail to truly integrate the various manufacturing functions (design, scheduling, planning, manufacture, business, etc.) and instead result in self-sufficient, computer- served 'islands of automation.' In these systems, data must be translated before moving from one manufacturing function to another. Wu and Madison have approached data modeling in a CIM environment from a new perspective. Their approach seeks to provide one data model that meets the needs of all manufacturing functions within a factory, negating the need for human or machine data translators. Keywords: Computer integrated manufacturing; Flexible manufacturing systems; Data modeling.