Page 313 - Sensors and Control Systems in Manufacturing

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F i v e
Cha p te r

AIX is IBM’s version of the UNIX operating system and combines
consistent user and application interfaces to aid in the development
of an integrated application across UNIX environments. AIX consists
of six related system enablers:
• Base systems
• Programming
• Interface
• User interface
• Communication support
• Distributed processing and applications

5.8.6.2 Data Integration
Integration requirements are often met by creating bridges between
individual applications. Bridges usually copy a collection of data
between two applications. A bridge between engineering and pro-
duction planning allows these two functions to share a bill of mate-
rial. Another bridge permits an engineering CAD/CAM application
to download an NC program to a plant floor personal computer. Or a
bridge between production planning and plant operations may be
used to provide a copy of the production schedule to the plant floor
system.
However, a problem with bridges is that changes made to the
original set of data are not immediately incorporated into the copy of
the data. This results in out-of-date information. Another problem is
that bridges become difficult to maintain when more than two appli-
cations must work together.
As enterprises begin to integrate their operations, it will be imper-
ative that the latest information is shared among multiple applica-
tions and across business functions. For example, engineering, mar-
keting, cost accounting, production planning, and plant operations
may all need access to inventory status information. At other times,
the enterprise’s various business functions may need information
about product specifications, order status, operating cost, and more.
A CIM architecture must be able to simplify and accelerate this
integration. It must provide the facilities to integrate data across the
various applications of the business functions—facilities such as data
query, data communication, controlled access and editing, and con-
sistent data definitions.

5.8.6.3 Installed Base Investment
Today’s industrial enterprises have made considerable investments
in their installed bases, including systems, data, and even training. In
the United States alone, manufacturers spend billions of dollars per
annum on information systems hardware, software, and integration