CIM networking: Promise and problems

Much of the literature about Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) mentions the networking of dissimilar or heterogeneous systems as a major issue or problem. In order to focus on the issues surrounding the networking requirements of CIM, an extensive review of relevant literature was undertaken. It should be noted that there is relatively little in the literature that specifically addresses the CIM networking topic. The issues and problems identified from the review of the literature were also examined by interviewing managers in locations were CIM had been extensively implemented.