Human Intelligence-Based Manufacturing is part of the Advanced Manufacturing Series edited by Professor D.T. Pham of the University of Wales, College of Cardiff. The Flexibility Computerised-Integrated Manufacturing Structure (FCIMS) is a significant innovation in the field of the production science and technology which combines rapid manufacture with the requirements of human society. Due to greater market diversification a new approach is needed as a response to this new manufacturing environment. International expert contributions deal with aspects of this response and describe how to amalgamate higher levels of automation with human-oriented functions, maintaining a high level of productivity. The benefits are an improved international competitiveness and co-operation. Since Human Intelligent-Based Manufacturing deals with the integration of technology and sociology it is of interest to both the academia and industry. Collaboration in manufacturing between Japan, Europe and the United States is a topic of high current interest.

The purpose of this book is to discuss the state of the art and future trends in the field of computerized production management systems. It is composed of a number of independent papers, each presented in a chapter. Some of the widely recognized experts in the field around the world have been asked to contribute. lowe each of them my sincere gratitude for their kind cooperation. I am also grateful to Peter Falster and Jim Browne for their kind support in helping me to review topics to be covered and to select the authors. This book is a result of the professional work done in the International Federation of Information Processing Technical Committee IFIP TC5 "Com puter Applications in Technology" and especially in the Working Group WG5. 7 "Computer-Aided Production Management". This group was established in 1978 with the aim of promoting and encouraging the advancement of the field of computer systems for the production management of manufacturing, off shore, construction, electronic and similar and related industries. The scope of the work includes, but is not limited to, the following topics: 1) design and implementation of new production planning and control systems taking into account new technology and management philosophy; 2) CAPM in a CIM environment including interfaces to CAD and CAM; 3) project management and cost engineering; 4) knowledge engineering in CAPM; 5) CAPM for Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) and Flexible Assembly Systems (F AS); 6) methods and concepts in CAPM; 7) economic and social implications of CAPM.

The papers in this volume reflect the current research and development of advanced manufacturing software. They may be categorized as follows: New Concepts towards CIM, Product Realization through Product/Process Modelling, Intelligent Management and Control of Manufacturing Activities, and Development of CIM Systems.