Electronic Data Interchange: EDI One of the Means of Realizing Computer Integrated Manufacturing

The main focus of the IIASA's Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) research project is on flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). FMS is the automation and integration of production. But FMS is not the end of production automation, integration with other systems will proceed much further than is now the case. FMS, CAD, administrative systems will be part of one integrated system: CIM. In the present paper, the emphasis is on the integration of the administrative systems, especially between independent companies. In a logical order: First realize the internal integration through FMS, CAD, etc. Second, the external integration with customers and suppliers. Several companies are at the moment moving in this direction. Several new means of communications are introduced in support of external integration, as communication is in many cases the weak link in the chain. Examples of these new means of communications are: fax; videotext; teletext; electronic dialogue with external databases; EDI (electronic data interchange); teleconferencing; etc