An Exploration of Concepts in System Integration

Abstract

As manufacturing gets ever more competitive, integration will come to be seen as a means whereby performance can be improved while flexibility is, at the same time, also being enhanced. Takes a fundamental look at the concept of integration to determine its essential properties. It is expected that this will lead to a better understanding of the concept, and also to applications in manufacturing environments which might ultimately lead to a full realization of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM).

Tipping the balance of power: the case of Large Scale Systems Integrators and their supply chains

“…LSSI implies that a system exists in which individual subsystems act, and that the action of these subsystems reflects the goals of the overall system. In general, to achieve subsystem point solutions that optimise the system's performance requires coordination (Mejabi, 1994). In the manufacturing and product development world, this coordination must be extended through collaboration due to the complex nature of technologies and the product complexity that results.…”

Rapid prototyping integrated systems

“…However, it was generally agreed that integration is what we need. In an earlier study, Mejabi (1994) defines integration as``the degree to which productivity approaches a theoretical upper bound''. Implicit in this definition is the synergistic contribution of the components of a system to the performance of the whole.…”

Understanding and implementing CIM through BPR

“…In traditional CIM formulation, functions are supported by isolated decision spaces (Mejabi, 1994). Integration of the functions, however, will provide for real-time interaction between these functions.…”