Implementation of rule-based information systems for integrated manufacturing

This paper focuses on the development of a methodology within a software environment for automating the rule based implementation of specifications of integrated manufacturing information systems. The specifications are initially formulated in a natural language and subsequently represented in terms of a graphical representation by the system designer. A new graphical representation tool is based on Updated Petri Nets (UPN) that the authors have developed as a specialized version of Colored Petri Nets. The rule based implementation approach utilizes the similarity of features between UPN and the general rule specification language used for the implementation. The automation of the translation of UPN to the rule specification language is expected to reduce considerably the life cycle for design and implementation of the system. The application presented here deals with the control and management of information flow between Computer Aided Design, Process Planning, Manufacturing Resource Planning and Shop Floor Control databases. This provides an integrated information framework for Computer Integrated Manufacturing systems.