Quality control information representation using object-oriented data models

The issues involved in forming quality data representation for manufacturing information systems (MISs) are discussed here. We begin with a brief review of various data representation schemes used in existing MISs, then we introduce an object-oriented (OO) data representation scheme. The proposed scheme is identified as being suitable for building complex information systems and is adaptable for interfacing with other information models in a Computer Integrated Manufacturing environment. Descriptions of quality data requirements and their relationships with quality philosophies are provided. The integrated network architecture supporting the quality data architectural is explained and illustrated with examples. The main idea is to convert the structural, behavioural and architectural perspectives of the quality control information representation into codes by using the Unified Modelling Language (UML) and OO programming. The benefits of the OO approach including data abstraction, high reusability and reduced complexity of programming logic are discussed. This approach provides a new way of thinking for the current MISs, which can be easily adapted for information model building in the CIM environment.