Data Management in CIM Systems—A Mobile Object Approach

Abstract

Using a notion of mobile objects, we propose a framework for implementation of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) systems that unifies previous disparate approaches to building these systems. We model manufacturing as a network of machines and assign a computer workstation called server to each machine. The information processing requirements of a production order or a lot are encapsulated in an object that migrates between the servers after completion of an appropriate service. An event and rule based implementation and a layered approach allows design of CIM systems that can be easily reconfigured in response to changes in products or processes. Moreover, the architecture is compatible with distributed systems used in product design. The traditional hierarchical and distributed control architectures are shown to be special cases of the proposed architecture. Finally, an implementation using next-generation database management systems is proposed.