Modular generic software system for cellular flexible manufacturing systems

The development of complex, flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) is very much dependent on the development of the associated control software. Because of the complexity involved, reliable and quality FMS software with comprehensive functionality and sophistication is difficult to design, implement and maintain. This paper proposes a modular, generic software system. Using the software developed, a range of cellular FMS (CFMS) control software can be generated from a library of well- defined software building blocks. This paper also describes the design of a generic software architecture, covering specifications for the control architecture, controller structure and software platform. Application of the building block concept has addressed the CFMS software problem effectively and the resulting software possesses a high degree of modularity and flexibility.