GLOSSARY
Computer-aided design (CAD)
A combination of computer software and hardware used in conjunction with computer graphics to enable engineers and designers to create, manipulate, and change designs without conventional paper drafting.
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
The use of computers to control and monitor manufacturing elements, such as robots, computer numerical control machines, storage and retrieval systems, and automated guided vehicles. At the lowest level, CAM includes programmable machines controlled by a centralized computer. At the highest level, large-scale systems integration includes control and supervisory systems.
Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM)
The integration of computer systems in a manufacturing facility. Integration may extend beyond the factory into the facilities of suppliers and customers. CIM integrates systems that handle everything from ordering to shipment of the final product, including accounting, finance, management, engineering, and manufacturing. The scope of CAM is generally limited to the factory floor, but CIM generally extends beyond the factory floor.
Concurrent engineering (CE)
An approach in which product design, process development, and manufacturing preparations are carried out simultaneously.
e-Business
Using the capabilities of Internet technology, including turning raw information and data into actionable intelligence, to conduct business electronically.
e-Commerce
Buying, selling, and exchanging information electronically.
Extranet
A collaborative network that uses Internet technology to link businesses with their supply chains and provides a degree of security and privacy from competitors.
Firewall
A combination of hardware and software designed to make a Web site secure.
Hypertext markup language (HTML)
A hypertext document format used on the Worldwide Web. Tags and directive information are embedded in the document to delimit text and indicate special instructions for processing it.
Integrated supply chain.
An association of customers and suppliers who, using management techniques, work together to optimize their collective performance in the creation, distribution, and support of an end product.
Internet
A worldwide collection of servers and networks that allow users access to information and applications outside of the company firewall.
Intranet
A secured network of Web pages and applications that can be accessed by anyone within a company firewall.
Just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing
An approach in which goods and services are produced only when needed for the next manufacturing step, rather than being stockpiled in advance.
Local area network (LAN)
A communication system within a facility; the backbone of a communication system that connects various devices in a factory to a control center. The LAN, through the control center, allows devices, such as computers, bar code readers, programmable controllers, and CNC machines, to communicate with each other for control and exchange of information.
Materials requirements planning (MRP or MRP 1)
A scheduling technique for establishing and maintaining valid due dates and priorities for
orders based on bills of material, inventory, order data, and the master production schedule.
Manufacturing resource planning (MRP II)
A direct outgrowth and extension of closed-loop MRP I through the integration of business plans, purchase commitment reports, sales objectives, manufacturing capabilities, and cash-flow constraints.
Modeling and simulation
The application of a rigorous, structural methodology to create and validate a physical, mathematical, or otherwise logical representation of a system, entity, phenomenon, or process for making managerial or technical decisions.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
A manufacturer that builds products for end users rather than components for use in other products.
Outsourcing
The procurement of goods and services from suppliers outside of the corporation.
Partners
Companies that agree to work together, often for a specific period of time or to achieve specific objectives, and share the risks and rewards of their relationships.
Partnership
An agreement between two companies, often formalized in a contract.
Small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprise (SME)
A manufacturing company with fewer than 500 employees.
Statistical process control (SPC)
The use of statistical techniques for monitoring and controlling the quality of a process and its Output over time. SPC can be used to reduce variability in processes and output quality.
Supply chain
An association of customers and suppliers who, working together yet in their own best interests, buy, convert, distribute, and sell goods and services among themselves resulting in the creation of a specific end product.
Supply chain management
The integration of key business processes, from end user through original suppliers, that provide products, services, and information that add value for customers and other stakeholders.
Transparency
The extent that participants are aware of activities throughout the supply chain.
Virtual enterprise
An opportunity-driven partnership or association of enterprises with shared customer loyalties designed to share infrastructure, research and development, risks, and costs and to link complementary functions.