DATA MANAGEMENT IN CIM SYSTEMS - A MOBILE OBJECT APPROACH

Using a notion of mobile objects, we propose a framework for implement ation of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) systems that unifies previous disparate approaches to building these systems. We model manu facturing as a network of machines and assign a computer workstation c alled server to each machine, The information processing requirements of a production order or a lot are encapsulated in an object that migr ates between the servers after completion of an appropriate service. A n event and rule based implementation and a layered approach allows de sign of CIM systems that can be easily reconfigured in response to cha nges in products or processes. Moreover, the architecture is compatibl e with distributed systems used in product design. The traditional hie rarchical and distributed control architectures are shown to be specia l cases of the proposed architecture. Finally, an implementation using next-generation database management systems is proposed. (C) 1996 Joh n Wiley & Sons, Inc.