CIM Oral Que

Unit 1

1. Discuss the need for Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) in the modern
manufacturing industry, highlighting the challenges it addresses and the
benefits it offers.
2. Explain the evolution of CIM, starting from the early automation efforts to the
integration of computer systems in manufacturing processes.
3. Describe the hardware components of a CIM system, including computers,
sensors, actuators, robotic systems, and communication networks.
4. Discuss the software components of a CIM system, such as CAD, CAM, CAE,
ERP, MES, and other specialized software used for planning, design,
simulation, and control.
5. Explain the role of CIM systems in improving manufacturing efficiency,
productivity, quality, and flexibility, and their ability to integrate various
manufacturing functions.
6. Provide a definition of CIM and explain its significance in achieving seamless
integration and coordination of manufacturing activities.
7. Discuss the concept of automation and its role in CIM, highlighting the types of
automation, such as fixed automation, programmable automation, and flexible
automation.
8. Explain the reasons for implementing automation in manufacturing, including
improving productivity, reducing labor costs, enhancing product quality, and
increasing production flexibility.
9. Describe the different types of production systems commonly used in
manufacturing, such as job shop, batch production, mass production, and
 continuous production, and discuss their suitability in different manufacturing
scenarios.
10. Discuss the various functions involved in manufacturing, including product
design, process planning, production scheduling, materials management, quality
control, and maintenance.
11. Explain the concept of the CIM wheel and its role in illustrating the key
elements of CIM, such as people, processes, machines, information, and
integration.
12. Describe the computerized elements of CIM, including computer-aided design
(CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer-aided engineering
(CAE), and other computer-based tools used in the manufacturing process.
13. Discuss the advantages of implementing CIM in manufacturing, including
increased productivity, improved product quality, reduced lead times, enhanced
resource utilization, and better decision-making capabilities.
14. Feel free to modify or expand on these questions based on your specific
requirements and focus on Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) and
related topics.

Unit 2

1. Explain the integration of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM

(Computer-Aided Manufacturing) systems in the manufacturing industry,
highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with this integration.
2. Discuss the role of CIM in product development, including how it facilitates
collaborative design, simulation, prototyping, and optimization of
manufacturing processes.
3. Explain the design activities in a networked environment, including the use of
collaborative design tools, virtual teams, and data exchange between design and
manufacturing functions.
4. Discuss the networking requirements in a manufacturing company, including
the establishment of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs),
and the use of internet connectivity for communication and data sharing.
5. Describe the hardware elements of networking, including routers, switches,
servers, workstations, cables, and other networking infrastructure components
used in a manufacturing company.
6. Explain the concept of a CIM database and its role in storing and managing
manufacturing-related data, including design data, process plans, production
schedules, and quality control information.
7. Discuss the specific requirements of a database in the context of CIM, such as
scalability, data integrity, security, and the ability to handle complex
relationships between different manufacturing entities.
8. Explain the principles and techniques of database management in CIM,
including data modeling, query optimization, data retrieval, and data
manipulation.
9. Discuss the different database models used in CIM, such as hierarchical,
network, relational, and object-oriented models, highlighting their advantages
and limitations.
10. Explain the concept of Engineering Data Management (EDM) in CIM,
including the storage, version control, and retrieval of engineering data
throughout the product life cycle.
11. Describe the role of Product Data Management (PDM) in CIM, including the
management of product data, bills of materials, and engineering change orders.
12. Discuss the concept of Product Life Cycle Management (PLM) and its role in
managing the entire life cycle of a product, from concept development to
retirement.
13. Explain the benefits of integrating CAD, CAM, EDM, PDM, and PLM systems
in CIM, including improved data accuracy, reduced lead times, enhanced
collaboration, and better decision-making capabilities.

Unit 3

1. Provide an introduction to Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and its

significance in modern manufacturing.
2. Explain the coordinate system used in CNC machining and its role in defining
the positions and movements of the machine tool.
3. Discuss the working principle of a CNC lathe and its key components,
highlighting its capabilities and applications in turning operations.
4. Explain the concept of turning centers and their advantages over conventional
CNC lathes in terms of enhanced functionality and flexibility.
5. Describe the working principle of a milling machine and its ability to perform
various machining operations, such as milling, drilling, and tapping.
6. Discuss the features and capabilities of machining centers and their advantages
in terms of multi-axis machining, tool changing, and automation.
7. Outline the steps involved in developing a CNC part program, from part design
to generating the code for machine execution.
8. Explain the concept of tool and geometric compensations in CNC machining
and their significance in achieving accurate and precise part dimensions.
9. Discuss the considerations and techniques involved in CNC lathe part
programming, including tool paths, tool selection, and cutting parameters.
10. Describe the key aspects of CNC mill part programming, such as contouring,
pocketing, and hole drilling, and the use of coordinate transformations.
11. Explain the concept of canned cycles in CNC programming and their benefits in
simplifying the coding process for common machining operations.
12. Discuss the role of subroutines and Do loops in CNC programming and their
use for repetitive tasks and program organization.
13. What does CIM-integrable machines refer to, and how do they contribute to the
integration of manufacturing systems within CIM?
14. Explain the benefits and advantages of CIM-integrable machines in terms of
improved communication, data exchange, and process control.
15. Discuss the challenges and considerations in implementing CIM-integrable
machines, including compatibility, standardization, and interoperability.

Unit 4

1. What is Computer-Aided Process Planning (CAPP), and what are its benefits
in the manufacturing industry?
2. Discuss the logical steps involved in Computer-Aided Process Planning,
from input data to generating process plans.
3. Explain the different approaches to CAPP, such as variant, generative, and
hybrid systems, highlighting their characteristics and applications.
4. What is Material Requirement Planning (MRP), and how does it facilitate
effective management of materials in manufacturing?
5. Describe the inputs required for MRP, the working principles of the system,
and the outputs generated for material planning.
6. Discuss the concept of dependent demand in the context of MRP and its
significance in ensuring accurate material planning.
 7. Explain the structure of an MRP system, including the bill of materials
(BOM), inventory records, and master production schedule (MPS).
8. Discuss the benefits of implementing MRP, such as improved inventory
control, reduced lead times, and increased production efficiency.
9. What are the planning and implementation issues to consider when
deploying an MRP system in a manufacturing organization?
10. Differentiate between MRP-II (Manufacturing Resource Planning) and
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and explain their roles in integrated
manufacturing management.
11. How does Computer-Aided Production Scheduling contribute to optimizing
production activities and meeting customer demands?
12. Discuss the role of Control Systems, specifically Shop Floor Control, in
monitoring and managing manufacturing processes.
13. Explain the significance of Inventory Control in manufacturing, including
strategies for efficient inventory management.
14. Describe how Computer-Aided Inspection and Quality Control systems
improve product quality and streamline inspection processes.
15. What is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and how does it
facilitate real-time monitoring, control, and data collection in the
manufacturing environment?

Unit 5:

1. Provide an introduction to Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) and

explain their significance in modern manufacturing.
2. Discuss the components of an FMS and their respective roles in achieving
flexibility and efficiency.
3. Explain the importance of an effective material handling and storage system
in an FMS environment and its impact on overall productivity.
4. What are the applications of Flexible Manufacturing Systems, and how do
they benefit manufacturing companies?
5. Describe the role of computer control systems in FMS and their contribution
to the coordination and control of various manufacturing operations.
6. Explain the different types of FMS layouts, such as loop, U-shape, and grid
layouts, and discuss the factors influencing their selection.
7. What are the planning and design issues to consider when implementing an
FMS in a manufacturing organization?
8. Discuss the features and benefits of Automated Storage and Retrieval
Systems (AS/RS) in an FMS environment.
9. Explain the concept of automatic parts identification systems and data
capture and how they contribute to the efficiency and accuracy of
manufacturing processes in an FMS.
10. Provide an overview of Group Technology (GT) and its significance in
achieving operational efficiency in manufacturing.
11. Describe the concept of part families in GT and the methods used for parts
classification and coding.
12. Explain the Opitz part coding system and discuss its advantages and
limitations in practice.
13. Discuss the concept of Production Flow Analysis and its role in optimizing
material flow and minimizing manufacturing lead times.
14. Explain the principles and considerations involved in Cellular
Manufacturing, including the concept of composite parts and machine cell
design and layout.
 15. Describe the quantitative analysis methods used in Cellular Manufacturing,
such as the Rank Order Clustering Method, and their application in
optimizing cell formation.
16. Discuss the different approaches to arranging machines in a GT cell,
including the Hollier Method, and their impact on cell performance and
efficiency.

Unit 6:

1. Define Industry 4.0 and discuss its functions, applications, and benefits in
the manufacturing industry.
2. Explain the key components of Industry 4.0, such as cyber-physical systems,
the Internet of Things, and data analytics.
3. Provide an introduction to Industry 5.0 and how it builds upon the principles
and technologies of Industry 4.0.
4. Discuss the applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) in manufacturing,
including real-time monitoring, asset tracking, and predictive maintenance.
5. Explain the role of Big Data and Cloud Computing in IoT and how they
enable efficient data storage, processing, and analysis for manufacturing
applications.
6. Discuss the use of IoT for smart manufacturing, including smart factories,
connected machines, and adaptive production processes.
7. Explain the influence of IoT on predictive maintenance in manufacturing,
including the use of sensor data, machine learning, and anomaly detection.
8. Discuss the importance of supply chain optimization in the context of IoT,
including real-time inventory tracking, demand forecasting, and logistics
optimization.
9. Explain the relationship between IoT and M2M communication
technologies, such as RFID, wireless sensor networks, and communication
protocols used in manufacturing.
10. Describe Digital Manufacturing in the context of Industry 4.0, including its
principles, technologies, and benefits for improving manufacturing
processes.
11. Discuss the concept of Industrial Automation and its role in enabling
efficient and autonomous manufacturing operations.
12. Explain the concept of Cyber-Physical Manufacturing Systems and how they
integrate physical processes with digital systems for enhanced productivity
and flexibility.
13. Describe the concept of Digital Twin Driven Smart Manufacturing and its
role in virtual simulation, optimization, and decision-making in
manufacturing processes.
14. Discuss the applications of Digital Manufacturing in assembly and
automation systems, including robotic systems, human-robot collaboration,
and flexible manufacturing cells.
15. Explain the use of Scheduling and Cloud Manufacturing in Industry 4.0,
including the benefits of cloud-based manufacturing services and distributed
scheduling algorithms.
16. Discuss the importance of Knowledge Management in Industry 4.0 and how
it facilitates efficient information sharing, collaboration, and learning in
manufacturing organizations.
17. Describe the concept of Digital Supply Chains and their role in improving
visibility, traceability, and agility in supply chain operations.
18. Explain the concept of Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems and their
ability to adapt to changing production requirements and optimize resource
utilization.
19. Discuss the use of web-based applications in manufacturing, including web-
based control interfaces, remote monitoring, and collaborative design and
engineering platforms.