The Purdue Laboratoiy for Applied lndustrial Control (PLAIC) or Purdue University, West Lafayette, lndiana, USA has carried out a highly successful industry/university research collaboration in the field now known as computer integrated manufacturing for the past twenty-five years. In contrast to most university laboratories working in this area, the Purdue University effort has coocentrated on the process industries instead of the discrete manufacturing industries. This paper lays out the important research and development areas of the field of computer integrated manufacturing and indicates where a university laboratory's effort can contribute to all of these. The lists of projects given should provide considerable guidance for the university laboratory to further develop such projects. This paper also indicates the value of an extensive post-graduate continuing educational program in providing badly needed technical education to industrial personnel. At the same time it serves to acquaint this same industrial segment with the capabilities of the university sector to contribute to the solution of their problems. The topic of tbe best orgnizational relationship to develop between industry and the university group is also developed, again based upon tbe experiences at Purdue University. lt is sincerely hoped that the material included herein will be valuable to the university laboratories in establishing and pursuing their own programs.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing System, Design Methods
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