A knowledge based collaborative platform for the design and deployment of manufacturing systems

Abstract

he PLM systems do not provide any link to actual performance indicators, related to cost, time, and quality parameters. This paper describes a collaboration platform, based on a semantic core that expresses knowledge about Products, Processes and Resources. The platform is internet based, connecting engineers in the extended enterprise with shopfloor personnel. The concept is based both on a series of distinct components and elements comprising the knowledge base, and on a set of software agents. The latter are interfaced with a set of Computer Aided (CAx) systems and provide decision support capabilities for the design of a production line.