To obtain competitive advantages, manufacturers need to stuggle consta
ntly to improve quality and to reduce costs. Computer Integrated Manuf
acturing (CIM) is a strategy adopted by enterprises to produce high qu
ality products at low cost. One of the common applications in the CIM
environment is the deployment of robots. Traditionally, robots are pur
chased, installed and tested. Significant amount of time and manpower
are consumed in the process of decision making in CIM acquisition. In
this paper, a graphic simulation and system for robotics operations is
developed, in conjunction with a kinematic error model to assist mana
gement in making investment decisions. Taguchi-type experimental desig
n is used to predict the robot process capability. Two sets of charts
are created by the system to illustrate the repeatability and accuracy
of a robot performing a given operation. These charts are histograms
in the x, y, and z directions, and scattered ellipses in the xy, yz, a
nd xz planes. Central to the system are three characteristics: a descr
iption of the geometric error and of the kinematic error, a function w
ith which to request and display data on a robot moving from one posit
ion to the next, and a family of charts showing the capability of the
robot for implementing a required task. The results provided by the sy
stem can help management to analyze robotics projects and to make deci
sions concerning robot selection and implementation in a more systemat
ic manner.