This paper describes the philosophy and constituent elements behind CIM, and questions whether any of the perceptions of CIM as currently portrayed could exist as a working entity. Suggestions are advanced that CIM is not yet practical for most industrial situations, and could not be cost-justified even if it were achievable. The paper considers the progress made in each sub-element of CIM, and how the concept of ‘islands of automation’ might achieve the widespread use of CIM technology without evolving to true CIM, and includes a case study of a company which is to introduce a novel DNC facility as a partial approach towards operating within a CIM philosophy.