Transfer of software engineering tools from information systems to production systems

Abstract

This paper considers the prospects of transferring software-engineering methods and tools from the field of information systems (IS) to the field of production systems (PS). In particular, object-oriented programming is transferable to control programming by providing: (1) a standard, high-level, general purpose, real-time modules for controlling motion, logic and sequences; (2) detailed task specification; and (3) CAD/CAM database management and interaction with control. Additional transferable tools are man-machine interfaces for programmable logic controllers (PLC), robots, and numerically controlled (NC) machines. Current development of industrial standards should help provide full multi-platform support and connectivity and increase transfer of software development methods and tools from IS to PS.