The interface development for machine shop simulation

Modelling and simulation technology is recognised for facilitating training, reducing production cost, improving product quality, and shortening development time. However, this technology remains largely under-utilised by industry today. This is because custom simulator development is complex and costly, and custom translators are needed to run commercial simulation software. Information models and standard interfaces could help address these problems. A machine shop information model, developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), provides data interfaces for integrating machine shop software applications with simulation. The interfaces include organisations, calendars, work, resources, schedules, parts, process plans and layout within a machine shop environment. The model is represented by Extensible Markup Language and Unified Modelling Language. This paper briefly presents the machine shop information model, introduces a data transfer mechanism between the machine shop database and XML document, and discusses data translators and data import/export.