An overview of the CIM theory including a definition of its evolution over the years. It is intended to allow engineers and managers to implement the theory and to use it effectively. Divided into three sections.

The impact of CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) on the competitiveness of industry is nowadays well acknowledged. Significant increases in productivity, reduction of production costs and the ability to modify operations quickly are amongst the gains made when applying CIM technologies. The integration of automation islands and the application of information technology throughout manufacturing and engineering environments constitute key tasks for European industry. ESPRIT (European Strategic Programme for Research and Development in Information Technology) is a pre-competitive industry-oriented collaborative research and development programme in information technology. The programme is managed and co-funded by the European Community and is organised in close liaison with industry, national administ rations and the research Community. ESPRIT has the following three objectives: - To provide the European information technology industry with the basic technologies to meet the competitive requirements of the 1990s; - To promote European industrial cooperation in information technology; - To pave the way for standards. The CIM part of the ESPRIT programme addresses the application of information technology in industrial environments. CIM-Europe is an information and awareness activity of ESPRIT. Its aim is to consolidate and enhance the effects of ESPRIT CIM by disseminating information on progress and achievements in the programme. It stimulates interaction between project teams in CIM and other areas, encouraging the development and the application of CIM techniques to the benefit of European industry. CIM-Europe's main activities are meetings (Study Groups, Workshops and its Annual Conference) and publications (Notices and Proceedings) .

CIM Handbook: The Opportunities for Rationalisation Opened Up by the Acquisition and Integration of Computer Automation aims to help everyone responsible for structuring computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) concepts and for procuring and selecting CIM components, to find the solutions which meet their requirements in an optimal way, as well as having scope for future development. The significance of the most important individual CIM packages, their function, the increase in efficiency to be obtained by their implementation and the prerequisites for their integration in a total CIM concept will all be clearly set out in this book. The book begins with a discussion of CIM and the increasing competition faced by companies in both domestic and international markets. This is followed by separate chapters on the most important CIM packages; the basic prerequisites of CIM, namely local networks and databases; the implementation of CIM projects; and CIM concepts for the middle-order companies. The final chapter describes the successful implementation of an automated assembly provisioning system in the car industry.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is the computerized handling of integrated business processes among all different functions in an enterprise. The consistent application of information technology, along with modern manufacturing techniques and new organizational procedures, opens up great potential for speeding up processes. This book discusses the current state of applications and new demands arising from the integration principle. It mainly emphasizes on strategies for realization and implementation based on the author's concrete experience. The "Y-CIM information management" model is presented as a procedural method for implementing CIM. The third edition has been supplemented by up-to-date specified examples of applied CIM solutions and transfer strategies.

Conference Theme: "Applications of CIM: Critical Success Factors and Implementation Strategies". With the patronage of Ministero della Universita e della Ricerca Scientifica e Tecnologica and Citta di Torino

This book will give a competitive edge to students of manufacturing, managers in industry, and anyone involved in specifying, implementing and using CIM systems.