Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) is a method of manufacturing in which the entire production process is controlled by computer. Typically, it relies on closed-loop control processes, based on real-time input from sensors. It is also known as flexible design and manufacturing.

Three components distinguish CIM from other manufacturing methodologies:

* means for data storage, retrieval, manipulation and presentation;

* mechanisms for sensing state and modifying processes;

* algorithms for uniting the data processing component with the sensor/modification component.