In most manufacturing companies efforts to fully optimise the use of resources is only carried out within each functional unit. It is therefore difficult to achieve full optmisation, creating islands of automation with little knowledge or regard to the integration of the entire company.Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) optimisation presents a guided approach to the achievements of strategic objectives within a unified framework. This book enables investment in CIM and AMT (Advanced Manufacturing Technologies) to be considered in an effective and comprehensive manner, by setting out a methodology for the estimation of synergy amongst the constituent components of CIM.Key Features:* High level decision makers and manufacturing managers, researchers and postgraduates in manufacturing engineering will find this an invaluable guide * The only book on the subject that covers both CIM justification AND optimisation * Illustrates the mechanisms of CIM by comprehensively analysing the specific requirement