Steps towards information integration in manufacturing
Richard Weston, J. D. GASCOINE, A. Rui, Allan Hodgson, C. M. Sumpter, Ian A. Coutts · International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing · 1988
This paper outlines features of emerging systems integration tools which will be used, to improve the responsiveness of manufacturing systems through integrating the activities of a heterogeneous set of distributed manufacturing entities. A review of major research projects worldwide is presented which outlines the related roles of various communication standards (including MAP/TOP, MMS, IGES, PDES/ STEP and EDIF) and the evolution of distributed database methods which can facilitate the organization and management of information in complex CIM systems. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for an application administration system which will complement emerging integration tools for the rcconfigurable definition, debugging, control and synchronization of distributed processing functions.