Technological prerequisites for introducing computer aided technologies

Increasing world wide competition and turbulent market development requires a consequent concentration on key technolgies and utilization of company-specific potentials. The fast development of semiconductor technology enables a lot of the computer applications in industry. CAD systems being state-of-the-art, diffusion of computer based support more and more reaches all functions within a company. To maximize the benefits of CA-technologies, a high demand for communication arizes between the single modules. Therefore standardization activities will dominate future development of CIM. Furtheron, human skills have to be adapted to future requirements. Generally, competitive manufacturing companies must incorporate key activities: - Simplification - Decentralization - Integration - Eliminiation of waste in all areas.