A Unified Approach in the Analysis and Design of Integrated Production Management Systems

Abstract The main purpose of the approach described is to analyse the functional capabilities and capacity parameters of different units in an integrated production management system typical of process industries and the interrelationships realized by what is called dataway (bus) communication (organization of information flows). Since the functional capabilities and capacity parameters determined are based on certain known experience with digital automation systems implemented in different process industries, the approach suggested is and can be used in analysing the systems available on the market. Illustrating the approach, a practical example in comparing of ten well-known systems for distributed control is also carried out. Finally, the unified approach and especially the methodics presented can be used successfully at the first stage of the design of integrated production management systems in process industry mills.