Research on Operation Modes and Application System of Networked Integrated Manufacturing System

Based on the conception of a networked integrated manufacturing (NIM), the architecture of networked integrated manufacturing system (NIMS) is set up. This architecture includes five layers, they are market/customers, partners, support centers, support subsystems, functional subsystems. Two different operation modes of extended enterprises based on NIMS are presented. One mode is around a core enterprise, and another mode without core enterprise is oriented to small medium sized enterprises (SMEs). As an application system of NIMS, the Networked Integrated Manufacturing System of Ceramic Products (CP-NIMS) is developed, and has been already applied in the product design and manufacturing and marketing in related Ceramics Company of Chongqing.