THE OBSTACLES TO SUCCESSFUL CIM

Many firms have turned to computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) as t he way to achieve competitive advantage in the fast-paced new environm ent of manufacturing. There are compelling reasons to investigate and implement CIM in this era of global competition because of the logical integration of components and the fit to the new organizational dynam ics. However, there are several obstacles to the success of CIM that t he firm should be aware of. This research reports on the obstacles ide ntified in the CIM literature and those identified by internal and ext ernal constituencies in firms that have had a great deal of experience in implementation and operation. The obstacles are compared and contr asted and consolidated in order to provide the most relevant guidance available to those considering CIM. Suggested means of dealing with th e obstacles are provided.