Evolution of integrated manufacturing in the 1980s

The ways in which electronic manufacturing businesses have used specific elements of CIM (computer-integrated manufacturing) to their competitive advantage are described. Three GE operations are used as examples of modernization projects that utilized CIM technologies that were appropriate for the situation and the time. In all of these cases, a phased approach to CIM implementation was employed. Due to the starting times of these projects (1981, 1984, and 1987), it is possible to observe the evolution of CIM through the 1980s. In all cases, individual projects are prioritized based on their impact to the business, yet all projects are integrated to achieve the long-term objectives of the business.<
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