Abstract
A new paradigm is proposed for the realization of computer integrated production management. Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) can never be constructed just by combining the automated devices available at present, such as CAD, CAM, CAPP and MRP systems. To realize successful CIM, the automation of friendly communication between experts is required, which plays a most important role in the integration of the various functions of production management. This points to the importance of computer integrated production management. In order to confirm the validity of the paradigm proposed in this paper, a prototype in process planning has been developed which aims at integration with CAD.