Towards integration of computer-aided design, manufacture and production mangement

The development of `islands of automation¿¿ was in many ways an inevitable result of the implementation of an emergent automation technology by manufacturing companies organised as a series of independently administered departments. At the time of introduction there were even benefits to this approach to new technology. However, the need to extend automation into areas as yet untouched has led to the requirement of a strategic plan to link these islands.