Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) in engineering 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.
PROFINET is the open industrial Ethernet standard of PROFIBUS&PROFINET International (PI) for automation. PROFINET uses TCP/IP and IT standards, is real-time Ethernet, and allows investment protection through seamless integration of fieldbus systems.