The concept of a fully automated factory in which nearly all manufacturing processes are fully integrated and controlled by computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) and automated logistic system.

The integration of computer systems for manufacturing. These may include some or all of the following: ERP, MRP, CAD, CAM, SPC, and other software applications.

Factory automation term where information is shared between computer aided design programs, materials resource planning (MRP) programs, and machine tools on the shop floor. Bar code data collection is an important part of a successful CIM implementation.