ABSTRACT
The rapid pace of manufacturing systems evolution has witnessed mechanisation being replaced initially by programmable automation (e.g. NC/CNC) and subsequently by Islands of Automation (e.g. CAD/FMS/MRPII). It is considered that the next phase of the evolutionary cycle will centre around the process whereby Islands of Automation are combined homogeneously to enable
Computer Integrated Manufacture. CIM was first proposed in the early 1970’s (Harrington, 1973), but is still under development, as reflected by many authors illustrating there is no universal definition.
