GRAI-IDEF0-Merise (GIM): Integrated methodology to analyse and design manufacturing systems

Abstract This paper presents an integrated methodology for the analysis and design of manufacturing systems (MSs). The need and criteria for the selection of the components (GRAI, Merise and IDEF0) are presented. Second, elements of the integrated methodology viz. graphical tools, structured approach, reference models, coherence tools and translation rules are presented. Emphasis is given to the need for new tools: coherence tools, translation rules and reference models, in order to ensure integration.