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5.1. Benefits of CAPP

Among the benefits derived from computer-aided process

planning, some of them are the following:

a. Process Rationalization and Standardization: Automated

process planning leads to more logical and consistent
plans than when process planning is done completely
manually. Standard plans tend to result in lower
manufacturing costs and higher product quality.

b. Increased Productivity of Process Planners: The

systematic approach and the availability of standard
process plans in the data files permit more work to be
accomplished by the process planners. One system was
reported to increase productivity by 600%.

c. Reduced Lead Time for Process Planning: Process

planners working with the CAPP system can provide route
sheets in a shorter lead time compared to manual
preparation.

d. Improved Legibility: Computer-prepared route sheets are

neater and easier to read than manually prepared route
sheets.
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f. Incorporation of Other Application Programs: The CAPP

program can be interfaced with other application
programs, such as cost estimating, work standards, and
others.

Modern CAPP systems are focused around two technologies.

These technologies are called:

5.2. Retrieval CAPP systems

5.3. Generative CAPP systems

5.2. Retrieval CAPP systems

The Retrieval-type computer-aided process planning systems

also called Variant CAPP systems requires a catalog of
standard process plans to be stored in a computer systems.
The part being planned is classified and coded using the
principles of Group Technology (GT). GT approach is required

for parts classification and coding system to organize the

computer files and to permit efficient retrieval of the
appropriate process plan. The variant approach uses library
retrieval procedures to find standard plans for similar
components. A process plan that can be used by a family of