Inputs and outputs of computer-aided process planning: Explore which data are needed and which data are generated

Process planning is an essential multi-task concept in the production industry, which links the design process with the manufacturing process and is aimed at providing a whole plan to transfer the idea of a designer into a final physical product. Process planning functions can be divided into two main categories: required inputs and expected outputs. Computers have been used to assist in process planning activities. That is, many CAPP systems and technologies have been developed in the hope of they can contribute significantly towards time and cost reduction. In this nugget, we will take a look at the inputs that one needs to enter into a CAPP system and the various outputs that can be expected from it.