Final answer:
Computer-integrated manufacturing systems represent the union of hardware, software, database management, and communications to automate and control production activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Computer-integrated manufacturing systems represent the union of hardware, software, database management, and communications to automate and control production activities, from planning and design to manufacturing and distribution.
These systems integrate various technologies to streamline the manufacturing process and improve efficiency. For example, computer-controlled machines can be used to automate tasks such as assembly, while database management systems can track inventory and optimize production schedules.