GIM and logistics in the factory of the future

Abstract

In the future, the competitive strength of industry will depend on its ability to realize flexible production systems, to install intelligent EDP-systems and to link them to a goal-orientated logistic system. Currently, a lot of new strategies, concepts and approaches for production arc being promoted and discussed, often in a spirit of controversy: CIM (computer integrated manufacturing), 'production logistics’, and JIT (just-in-time production) have become familiar concepts which have one thing in common: new structures in production will be necessary. However, the overall effect of CIM is often very small in comparison to the investment for realizing this concept. The main reason is that such projects are missing a logistic orientation. A continuous flow of information and material as envisaged by the logistics principle requires not only that all automation components can be integrated on the technical level, but also that all relevant functions and sectors can be integrated organizationally.