A MULTIECHELON EVALUATION FRAMEWORK FOR CIM SYSTEMS-DESIGN

Abstract

Implementing a computed integrated manufacturing (CIM) system design involves major capita] investment which must take into consideration state-of-the-art technologies and management strategies. This multi-echelon evaluation framework employs strategic planning, conceptual design, risk analysis, sensitivity analysis, simulation and the analytical hierarchical process to evaluate the CIM system design. This approach is characterized by flexibility and assessability of the iterative evaluation cycles, subjective utility functions of decision makers, and simulation for risk analysis at different stages of the evaluation process. It provides management with a decision support tool when considering CIM implementation. A case study is presented to demonstrate this multi-echelon evaluation framework for CIM systems design.