Opportunities in computer integrated manufacturing

The author argues that improved computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) systems are needed to enable competitive production of high-technology products. The increasing complexity of processes and products, the growing need to manufacture different products in a single (costly) factory, and the rapid rate of change in product and process technologies all are trends that create a demand for better utilization of information. The problems of VLSI production typify those in high-technology manufacturing. There is a strong need to unify data used for product and process design; equipment, process and facility control; quality assurance and testing; and production scheduling and control. Improved capability for modeling, simulation, and direct control of production processes and equipment is needed. Guaranteed real-time performance is often required. Major advances in the human to computer interface are sought to facilitate effective use of complex integrated information systems