Process control as an element in a CIM concept-a case study

The paper describes the design and implementation of a control system which in 1996 was successfully installed in a Slovenian brickworks. Its primary function is efficient control of the drying process in the factory, and so far this system is conceived as a classic computer-based process control system. With regard to the possible need to incorporate this control system into a future CIM information system, a concept of flexible recipes was applied as a possible integration link between planning, which is a typical business-level activity and process control, which is a production level activity. Flexible recipes thus may provide a modest contribution to the integration of shop floor control and logistical functions