Transfer of software engineering tools from information systems to production systems

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) 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.