Objective
The objective of this project is to provide a set of tools and a methodology to support the implementation of CIM in SMEs.
The project will develop and evaluate five prototype elements:
- a requirement workbench, consisting of a worksheet and toolbox to model a manufacturing enterprise, its objectives and its CIM requirements, and to produce a specification of these requirements
- a solution workbench, consisting of a template assembly module to convert the CIM specification into a vendor-independent template and vendor specific solution, and a product configuration module to configure existing CIM products to match the template
- a configuration auditor, to compare the capability and effectiveness of the CIM specification and solution against the SME's business objectives and CIM requirements
- a user interface monitor generator, to provide a means to develop standardised user interfaces
- a computer-assisted CIM implementation methodology, to encapsulate and describe the most effective use of the system
An integrated prototype will be created and executed in the end-user site.
Exploitation
The system will enable CIM designers to develop a profile of the client SME, perform a business simulation, evaluate the resulting CIM options, and create a specification for the required CIM solution. A CIM vendor will be able to use the system to design a solution, configure CIM software to meet the individual SME's specification, and audit the specification using simulation type tools.
The project will develop company-independent prototype tools which adhere to the guidelines set down in the X-OPEN Portability Guide (XPG3). The prototype platform will be PCs or intelligent workstations running under Unix. The software will be written in C or C++ and will run on a relational database software with an SQL interface.
Coordinator
KT12 2QS Walton On Thames
United Kingdom
Participants (8)
20600 Eibar
1000 Lisboa
80992 München
46132 Almassera
82515 Wolfratshausen
02101 Espoo
21027 Ispra
28359 Bremen
