Which term describes the integration of design, manufacturing, and management through digital tools?

• A. Rapid Prototyping
• B. Computer Integrated Manufacturing
• C. Computer Aided Design
• D. Computer Numerical Control

Answer: (B)

This term describes joining design, manufacturing and management through digital tools. Computer Integrated Manufacturing brings together design data from CAD, production planning and control, and business management into a single, digitally connected workflow. It relies on networks and software that let engineers, machinists and managers share up-to-date information, automate tasks, and coordinate resources. When a design change is made, the system updates schedules, tooling, and quality checks across the factory, reducing errors and speeding production.

Rapid Prototyping focuses on quickly creating physical models, often with additive manufacturing. Computer Aided Design centers on creating and refining a product’s geometry on a computer, but doesn’t inherently integrate the whole manufacturing and management processes. Computer Numerical Control involves programming machines to execute precise operations, which is part of manufacturing, but it does not by itself integrate design, production planning and management across the entire system.