Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is a form of computer technology used to automate the production process. It combines the use of robots, software applications and computer automation tools to streamline and improve the design, manufacture, assembly and operation of complex products. This technology can be used in many different areas of product design, including drawing creation, CAD/CAM programming, material selection and tooling selection. CAM systems can also help with quality control throughout the product life cycle by providing detailed information on how a given product is made and helping identify potential problems before they become an issue.