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Reference CAM Abbreviation for “Computer Aided Manufacturing.” Reference FA Abbreviation for “Factory Automation.” Reference CIM Abbreviation for “Computer Integrated Manufacturing.” Reference EC Abbreviation for “Electronic Commerce.” Reference Commerce “Commerce” involves the commercial transfer of goods between economic entities, and is an exchange of articles, services, information, or money between parties placing orders and parties receiving orders. 83 (2)CAM “CAM” is a system used to control pr oduction lines in factories and plants. Moreover, a system for manufacturing using CAM that also makes use of CAD is called a “CAD/CAM system.” This kind of system is used to import drawing data created using CAD into CAM, and then send the information to the machine tools that actually carry out the manufacturing. (3)FA (Factory Automation) “FA” is a system for automation of production lines in factories and plants. Using this kind of system, it is possible to achieve cost reduction and full automation of factories. FA has the following advantages. Improved working efficiency By managing various information collectively using an FA system, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of worker errors and defective products. Reduced labor costs Because an FA system allows work performed by multiple workers to be done by fewer or no workers, labor costs can be reduced. Improved safety Full automation of factories can improve safety by preventing accidents, particularly those that frequently occur during nighttime operation. (4)CIM “CIM” is a system that comprehensively manages a series of manufacturing processes. Using CIM, it is possible to optimize production and promote coordination between departments by managing all of the information generated by the manufacturing processes using computers, and sharing that information throughout the entire corporation. 2-3-3 E-business “EC (Electronic commerce)” refers to commercial activities using networks. Electronic commerce makes it possible to go into business with only a small amount of investment by cutting the costs associated with stores and sales assistants. Therefore, it is becoming representative of businesses using the Internet. Electronic commerce is defined by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Japan) as “the conduct of commercial transactions via electronic media using Internet technology.” In general, it can be described as “business systems for receiving/placing orders and making payments over the Internet.”