Title: Linking manufacturing complexity to choices in 'CIM' technologies

Authors: Daniel Orne, Suresh Kotha

Addresses: School of Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA. ' School of Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180, USA

Abstract: This paper develops a conceptual framework to analyse generic computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) environments. The framework is based on two typologies: manufacturing structure typology and manufacturing information technologies typology. The former focuses on manufacturing complexity, and the latter on the information needs of productive units. By exploring the link between these two typologies, the paper provides a useful way to conceptualise generic CIM environments. It is argued that by focusing on information-processing needs of different generic CIM environments, it is possible for managers to begin to evaluate the architectural |fit| between the alternative computer and communication technologies and the manufacturing structure of their productive units.

Keywords: manufacturing complexity; computer-integrated manufacturing; CIM; technological choices; manufacturing structure; manufacturing information technologies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.1988.062644

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 1988 Vol.1 No.1/2, pp.21 - 34

Published online: 11 Jun 2014 *

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