CIM includes the experimental shop

Abstract Integration of computers in the manufacturing process has rightfully emphasized their use in electronically conveying complex product geometry from engineering design and drafting to the design of manufacturing fixtures and part programming. The relative absence of literature and software relating to the use of micro-computers in the experimental (prototype) shop suggests that at best, their usage is limited and at worst, not amenable to very small lost size production quantitities. Experience with a trial program suggests the contrary. While the project described in this paper is far from a full implementation, early results suggests that micro-computers can be effectively used to: 1. (1) Improve communications between the designer and the shop. 2. (2) Assist the shop in purchasing, process planning the control of spare prt inventories. Also included in the paper is an overview of the software as contrasted with conversion high volume production planning and inventory control systems to emphasize the fundamental differences in functional usage. The paper concludes with a discusson of future extensions to provide networking and graphic capabilities that shows promise of improving the feedback loop to engineering design and manufacturing.