The benefits of computer-integrated manufacturing are many and varied. But, in order to reap the rewards, businesses need to ensure they adopt the technology in an effective way.
In the modern business world, businesses are rapidly changing and evolving to ensure they remain relevant. While there are numerous ways to do this – from investing in new technology to hiring more experienced staff – one of the most effective methods is to implement computer-integrated manufacturing.
Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) is any process that uses computers and software for manufacturing processes. In today’s businesses, virtually everything involves some degree of computerization, which means companies can easily optimize their entire supply chain by taking advantage of CIM.
However, CIM is only beneficial if it’s done effectively – it’s all too easy to start using the technology without knowing how to use it properly.
What Is Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
Computer-integrated manufacturing is the integration of existing computer systems, such as accounting and logistics systems (“ERP”), into operational processes in factories. One of the key issues with CIM is that it can be difficult to apply due to the complexity of the technology.
Over the following five years, the Computer Integrated Manufacturing Market will experience a spectacular increase in revenue CAGR. In this study, 2021 was used as the base year and 2022 to 2026 was used as the projection year to estimate the market size for Computer Integrated Manufacturing.
The use of CIM is now widespread in manufacturing, but not enough businesses have a clear idea of how to implement the technology effectively. In order to improve upon their results and achieve greater efficiency, there are guidelines for CIM implementation available from various sources.
How Does CIM Work
Computer-integrated manufacturing is a system of management by which all information about the production process is available in a centralized computer database. This enables the manufacturer to have total control over the manufacturing process, from start to finish.
It also allows companies to improve communication with customers, as well as aiding in inventory management and improving quality control and detecting defects early. Computer-integrated manufacturing relies on advanced technologies such as MRP (manufacturing resource planning), Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Supply Chain Management software, which are integrated to provide seamless quality control, on time delivery and inventory management.
The global market for Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), estimated at US$5.2 billion in 2020, is expected to rise to US$8.7 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 9.1% throughout the forecast period.
Computer-integrated manufacturing is a “built in” approach as opposed to using computer as an add-on. The CIM system encompasses all phases of production, supply and marketing. It is based on an MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) system that tracks material flow through the factory and schedules production. By obtaining real-time information at every step of the way, assembly lines can be speeded up while simultaneously reducing costs due to greater efficiency.
The entire manufacturing process from start to finish is monitored and controlled by a computer-integrated manufacturing system to ensure quality control. This system streamlines the production process and makes it more efficient.
How To Adopt CIM Effectively
A carefully implemented computerized manufacturing system can make a company much more efficient and cost effective. In order to get the most out of a CIM system, it’s important for companies to make sure that they are working with the right supplier.
Ideally, a company should spend time discussing their options with potential providers so that they can find out about their different services and prices in person before committing to a final decision. This will also give them an opportunity to find out more about the vendor’s reputation and whether or not they would be compatible with the organization in question.
The Global Computer Integrated Manufacturing Market is predicted to expand by $ 8.72 billion between 2022 and 2026, at a CAGR of 7.93%.
Automation Production System
Automation production systems refer to the use of machines and equipment to perform tasks that would otherwise be completed by human workers. These systems often incorporate closed loop control processes, which means that they can monitor and adjust their own operations based on data stored in a manufacturing facility.
Flexible manufacturing systems are a type of automation production system that is designed to be easily reconfigured to accommodate changes in production demands.
Advantages Of CIM
During the forecast period, the use of 3D (3 Dimensional) printers for CAD design is predicted to expand.
In order to streamline production processes and improve inventory control, many businesses have turned to computer-aided design (CAD) and data processing. By using computer control systems, businesses can more easily track production data and make changes as needed. This can help to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
1. Increased Flexibility For The Production Process
A key advantage of CIM is the production process becomes more flexible. The freedom to switch rapidly between different processes, depending on what orders require, means that any downtime is minimized.
This can help improve production capacity and yield as well as increase project efficiency. For example, by increasing capacity and reducing lead-time on orders it can increase revenue by making products available at a lower cost.
2. Centralised Management Of Data
CIM enables businesses to centralize all of their software-based information – such as sales figures and financial data – in one place instead of having it distributed across different locations. This can boost efficiency by centralizing all data and eliminating the need for any manual processing, which is usually time-consuming.
3. Improved Customer Service
Customer service is also improved due to all customer data being available in a centralized location. This means that all customer information – such as address, payment details, products ordered and new orders – are quickly accessible with less effort on the part of sales managers. This minimises the amount of time it takes to process any orders, increasing efficiency and increasing revenue.
4. Improved Communication
Another advantage of CIM is that it can help to improve communication between different departments. For example, if a customer needs to be informed of a delay in the delivery of their order the information will be available quickly and this will help avoid disappointments.
5. Easy Maintenance Of Business Rules
One of the biggest drawbacks with using computer software can be when a new version is released – most software companies want users to upgrade to the new version, but businesses often prefer not to due to the costs involved.
Without CIM, this issue can become even more problematic as individual departments will have to install separate versions on their own computers and modify business rules accordingly.
By centralising all data in one place, CIM ensures that there is no need for businesses to make any manual changes. This reduces the cost and time involved in maintaining the architecture of a business’s IT system and minimises the risk of software upgrades.
6. Improved Efficiency Of Business Processes
The use of CIM also helps to improve efficiency in all business processes, such as financial planning and management, marketing and sales, research and development, human resources and asset management. With centralised data it becomes easier to track progress across multiple projects simultaneously.
This means that information on all projects can be discovered easily – saving time in order to ensure the success of every project.
One of the important computer integrated manufacturing industry trends driving market expansion is the increased usage of abrasive jet cutting equipment.
7. Increased Productivity
The use of CIM also helps to increase productivity by reducing the amount of human resource input. The use of computers means that humans no longer need to manually input data – instead, it can be done automatically by the software.
For example, the use of CIM reduces the need for manual labour in invoice entry and invoicing. This means business can reduce costs and increase revenue by automating repetitive tasks and improving efficiency.
8. Research Into New Business Opportunities
Using computerized systems ensures businesses have all information at their fingertips, which makes it easier to identify new ideas that could provide significant revenue opportunities.
For example, by using CIM the sales department can easily track orders and trends in sales, which allows the business to make more informed decisions about new product and service design.
Disadvantages Of CIM
Enterprise management solutions (EMS) enable complete automation of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) processes. Direct control of these processes allows for efficient and accurate production with minimal human intervention.
1. Expense
The cost of setting up a CIM system is prohibitive for many small businesses. This is made worse by the fact that many companies only require a single-step computerised systems and modernization projects tend to be expensive.
In addition, the use of online technology has increased dramatically in recent years and this is another reason why companies must take extra care when selecting their system providers.
2. Complexity Issues
The process of integrating computerized technologies into a CIM system can be highly complex, requiring significant training and expertise in order to set up everything correctly. The complexity of the system can cause many startups to run into problems when setting up their system, which may result in costly mistakes.
3. Putting CIM Systems In Place Can Slow Down A Company’s Ability To Adapt And Innovate
Putting a new computerized system into place takes time, during which a company will lose the competitive edge that its predecessor had. This is because the new system won’t be able to capture all of their best practices and business processes, making it difficult for the company to build on key aspects that were previously successful.
As little as two years after installing a computer-integrated manufacturing system can result in serious lack of progress and efficiency issues that were previously possible with traditional paper methods.
4. There Is No Standard System For CIM
There is no single standard for setting up CIM systems. Each CIM vendor has their own way of doing things, making it difficult for companies to work with different vendors on the same project.
The cost of changing vendors ranges from $25,000 to over $1 million depending on the complexity and scope of the system that is being implemented. In addition, there are various technical differences between different systems and while they may seem minor they can make a difference in how an organisation functions.
For example, not all software providers will let you remotely access them through your computer – an important feature to consider when planning a CIM project.
5. It’s Difficult To Change Suppliers Once A CIM System Has Been Installed
Once a CIM system is set up, it is unlikely that it can be easily changed. Most vendors require a large amount of money in order to change the system and this can result in companies having to rework their entire process. Changing vendors requires a lot of time and effort, which can be costly and time consuming for the company.
Before committing to one supplier, it’s important for companies to do extensive research on the computerized systems available by spending time with several companies in person, on the phone and online.
6. It’s Hard To Find A Competitive Price For Computer Systems
Compared with the traditional “do it yourself” approach that is commonly used by many small businesses, CIM systems can be expensive to implement. There are numerous providers in this market and it is often difficult for companies to find a competitive price since they will always be paying a premium for cutting-edge technology.
Additionally, the lack of standardization means that prices can vary significantly between different suppliers – you may end up spending more than you initially thought. This is because CIM systems are still relatively new, meaning that prices haven’t been established yet and different vendors will use their own pricing structures and forms of communication which makes comparing prices very difficult.
The complexity of the system means that it can also be time consuming to integrate new technology and this can increase costs further.
7. It’s Difficult To Maintain CIM Systems
It can take a long time to get all of the pieces of a computerized system up and running. Many suppliers will only give companies a limited number of hours over which they will provide support in order to help them get the most out of their system – this makes it difficult for companies to make sure that they are getting value for money since they are only given as much support as they need, rather than being able to plan ahead so that their needs will always be met.
8. CIM Is Relatively New
One of the problems impeding the growth of the computer integrated manufacturing industry is the demand for greater traceability.
Because CIM systems are relatively new and were only introduced into the market in the mid-1990s, many organizations have yet to fully appreciate all of their benefits. Additionally, they are complicated and take more time to set up than traditional systems do.
This means that it’s important for companies to make sure that they are receiving all of the relevant training and support available, particularly from a supplier who has experience with computerized manufacturing.
Even though companies may be familiar with certain aspects of CIM, it can be very confusing for them to understand all of its complete capabilities without assistance.
Future Of CIM
By using computerized manufacturing systems, companies are able to reduce the amount of paper used for different purposes and maximise their production output. This means that they spend less money on printing, managing and storing it, meaning that they can invest more of their capital in new machinery and equipment.
These machines also often make it easier for companies to operate more efficiently by reducing labour costs, which means that profits can be increased – these systems are also becoming more energy efficient, helping companies reduce costs on their power bills. Computerized manufacturing systems are not just for large corporations – individuals and small businesses can benefit from them too!
Final Note
Every business today uses and requires computerised technology. However, since computers can be difficult to fully understand, it is important companies understand how to implement these systems effectively.
The use of CIM has become increasingly popular in recent years as software becomes more complex and businesses find themselves needing a way to maximise resources. Understanding the benefits of computer-integrated manufacturing will help a company achieve these aims.
Last Updated on October 11, 2023 by Priyanshi Sharma
