Quality in Computer Integrated Manufacturing

In spite of its tremendous potential for improving manufacturing efficiency, Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) does not assure product quality in the absence of a comprehensive quality system. In fact, work processes must be planned to address quality issues explicitly, and quality analysis tools and information must be tailored to support these work processes. In this talk, the roles of quality planning and quality information systems are explored in the context of CIM. As an example of how quality tools and information systems are being embedded in AT&T's CIM systems, the integration of a reliability prediction tool and data base with AT&T;s CAE/CAD system is discussed.