Using domain machines to support manufacturing software system implementation

Manufacturing enterprises are underpinned by complex software systems. lthough built to improve efficiency, they can become the single most inflexible part of an enterprise. This paper describes an approach to manufacturing software system creation which is designed to simplify system build and subsequent modification. It is based on the notion that raising the level of the computing infrastructure can remove the need to transform clear design abstractions into programming language constructs which prove difficult to maintain. The paper proposes a general framework for domain machines followed by details of the technologies used to populate the framework to create a manufacturing domain machine that supports component action, interaction and behaviour. Both Prolog and Predicate Action Petri Nets are used within the implementation, combined with general purpose programming technologies.