Computer integrated manufacturing-an enterprise view

Since the mid 1980s, IBM sites have been implementing the CIM (computer-integrated manufacturing) philosophy, resulting in significant improvements in cost, resources, and responsiveness. In the process of reviewing the information systems applications, it became apparent that many applications performed the same or similar functions. This has resulted in a building-block approach to CIM applications. Base applications will provide common functions. Customers will then be able to supplement these functions with applications common to their business areas. Customers will be able to add their own unique applications to address specific requirements. IBM is working closely with its customers and internal users to define the common requirements. This partnership with customers provides improved requirements definition, reduced development and maintenance costs, the ability to test in production environments, and accelerated delivery to the marketplace.<>