The author presents some options currently available, and offers guidelines on how to put together a computer-integrated manufacturing strategy for cost effective, flexible factory management systems. The focus is primarily on plant and area management systems. Connectivity options for enterprise and cell level systems are also included. It is concluded that the cost of CIM is decreasing and on the basis of guidelines provided it should be possible to get a functioning system in place for $50 K to $70 K. This figure is only for the hardware and software required for area level system and host interfaces.
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