THE KEY TO COMPUTER INTEGRATED PROCESSING

Before the key to Computer Integrated Processing (CIP) can be explored, first the meaning of CIP must be agreed. Taking a hint from discrete manufacturers (of automobiles, computers, refrigerators and so forth), we first define CIP (and interchangeably process CIM, i.e., computer integrated manufacturing) to include computerizing transactions between an enterprise and its customers and suppliers as well as internally within the enterprise. Then we make comparisons and contrasts to evolve definition of CIP in the process industries. Once a working definition of CIP (or process CIM) is available, it becomes clear that routine measurement of process conditions is essentially the only information available to a CIP system concerning the manufacturing process itself. Such process measurements, renown for their inaccuracy, are shown to be the foundation of CIP in the process industries. We then show that the key to CIP is to shore-up this soft foundation by data reconciliation based upon complete and rigorous process models of the facility. The many benefits of CIP, such as maximization of realization of financial objectives, flow from this solid foundation.