Includes index

Includes bibliographic references

This up-to-date and accessible text deals with the basics of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) and the many advances made in the field. It begins with a discussion on automation systems, and gives the historical background of many of the automation technologies. Then it moves on to describe the various techniques of automation such as group technology and flexible manufacturing systems. The text describes several production techniques, for example, just-in-time (JIT), lean manufacturing and agile manufacturing, besides explaining in detail database systems, machine functions, and design considerations of Numerical Control (NC) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, and how the CIM system can be modelled. The book concludes with a discussion on the industrial application of artificial intelligence with the help of case studies, in addition to giving network application and signalling approaches. Intended primarily as a text for the undergraduate and graduate students of mechanical, production, and industrial engineering and management, the text should also prove useful for the professionals in the field