Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
we will keep on with it.” The car manufacturer had to momentarily close more than ten
plants when an earthquake prevented a supplier from producing $1.50 piston ring parts.
computer-assisted
manufacturing (CAM)
A system that directly controls man-
ufacturing equipment.
computer-integrated
manufacturing (CIM)
Using computers to link the compo-
nents of the production process into
an effective system.
•
Process control.
Managers can use a number of technologies to control and streamline
the manufacturing process. For example, computers can directly control manufacturing
equipment, using systems called
computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM)
. CAM
systems can control drilling machines, assembly lines, and more.
Computer-integrated
manufacturing (CIM)
uses computers to link the components of the production process
into an effective system. CIM's goal is to tie together all aspects of production, including
order processing, product design, manufacturing, inspection and quality control, and
shipping. A
flexible manufacturing system (FMS)
is an approach that allows
manufacturing facilities to rapidly and efficiently change from making one product to
another. In the middle of a production run, for example, the production process can be
changed to make a different product or to switch manufacturing materials. By using an
FMS, the time and cost to change manufacturing jobs can be substantially reduced, and
companies can react quickly to market needs and competition.
flexible manufacturing system
(FMS)
An approach that allows manufac-
turing facilities to rapidly and effi-
ciently change from making one
product to making another.
Computer-assisted manufacturing
systems control complex processes
on the assembly line and provide
users with instant access to
information.
(Source: © Phototake/Alamy.)
•
Quality control and testing.
With increased pressure from consumers and a general
concern for productivity and high quality, today's manufacturing organizations are
placing more emphasis on
quality control
, a process that ensures that the finished product
meets the customers' needs. Information systems are used to monitor quality and take
corrective steps to eliminate possible quality problems.
quality control
A process that ensures that the fin-
ished product meets the customers'
needs.
