Title: Managing the development of manufacturing systems software using a unified framework

Authors: H. Y. K. Lau, K. L. Mak

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Abstract: Software has become a principal component in today|s agile manufacturing systems. The ability to deliver software that satisfies the original requirements and expectations within budgeted time and cost is one of the major factors in determining the success of the project. While existing software engineering techniques are available for the effective design of complex software systems, much of the effort relies on a designer|s experience and intuition. The paper presents a unified framework that aims to quantify software development and to assist engineers to manage the development process in order that not only the quality of the software produced is assured, but also the development process. The application of the framework to the development of supervisory software for a conveyor-based flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) is illustrated.

Keywords: flexible manufacturing systems; object-oriented method; quality management; software development methodology; software project management; agile manufacturing; FMS; FMC; supervisory control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2004.004505

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2004 Vol.6 No.1/2, pp.81 - 97

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

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