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| Artificial Intelligence (AI) | The formalization of procedures in a computer program to carry out tasks which, if they were done by a human, would be regarded as intelligent. |
| Computer-assisted Design (CAD) | A computer technology which allows two and three-dimensional designs to be produced on a computer screen where they can be quickly and easily modified. It also allows computerised simulation for testing of designs. |
| Computer-assisted Engineering (CAE) | A combination of CAD and CAM. Diagrams produced by CAD can be used by a CAM program to control the machines making a particular item, hence reducing the need to make models or prototypes. It also considers the engineering performance of a design in areas such as dynamics and stress. |
| Computer-assisted Manufacturing (CAM) | The extension of a CAD design to include the determining of the quantities of materials needed, and the shop-floor instructions required to produce an item. |
| Computer-integrated Manufacturing (CIM) | The use of computing and communications hardware and software to plan, co-ordinate, monitor and control the totality of manufacturing activities within a firm. |
| Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) | Enhanced NC machines which have a programmable computer built into them giving them greater flexibility. They allow for a range of different programs to be used and for these programs to be changed easily. |
| Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) | A number of manufacturing cells combined under the automatic control of a supervisory program. Each cell consists of a group of CNC machines and robots, interlinked with automatic feeding, loading and unloading facilities. Cells are fully controlled by computer and can be reprogrammed to switch quickly to another product. They are able to carry out a number of operations on different work-pieces without routine human intervention. |
| Local Area Network (LAN) | Linked computers and peripherals, usually in the same building, using generally a single network standard and owned and controlled by the organisation that uses it. The main advantages are the ability to share resources, communications, and transfer data. |
| Numerical Control | Numerically Controlled machines are operated by a series of coded instructions often on paper or magnetic tape. |
| Small Batch Production | A means of manufacture in which an assembly line is set up to produce a small batches of a product, after which the machines are reconfigured for the next product. The original line may be restored, to make further batches, at some time in the future. The concept in manufacturing is a fairly recent one devised to take account of changing markets where demand, particularly for electrical products, is constantly changing and customers require an element of individuality. These market forces have meant that mass production on traditional scales is no longer viable. |