The COMPUTER-INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING PROCESS With CIM (Computer-Integrated Manufacturing) individual robots are networked in a factory-wide system and all work is organised by a network or linked computers. Normally CIM is a three-stage process, beginning at graphics terminals where humans and computers collaborate together to design the new product. In the second stage, other computers plan every step of production down to the smallest detail and finally the actual plans are carried out by robots and machine tools on the factory floor. The manufacturing process is usually controlled by a five-level computer hierarchy. These levels are as follows: the plant coordinator, the shop coordinator, the line supervisor, the workstation operator and the equipment operator. At the summit of the electronic pyramid is a level that can be classified as the plant coordinator, which compiles and hands down a daily production plan. As the plan is passed down through the levels, the directives are simplified and specified further as it reaches the successive level. The robots that manage the equipment at the bottom of the electronic pyramid receive specific tasks and carry them out. By managing the flow of information efficiently, CIM can significantly reduce the production time of goods.