Framework for extended digital manufacturing systems

Abstract

In this article, a framework for extended digital manufacturing systems (EDMS) is presented. It aims at an integrated environment for products, production systems and business processes. The reference model of EDMS consists of manufacturing entities with different roles and similar structures. The main areas of EDMS are modelling, simulation, analysis and change management. The integrated activities of EDMS are discussed from the viewpoints of augmented intelligence and integrated collaboration activities. The theoretical application areas of the past, present and future and the process from ideas to innovative solutions are presented. A real-life example of an intelligent manufacturing environment, in which several aspects of the EDMS framework are utilised, is introduced.

Keywords:

• modelling
• simulation
• analysis
• integration

Acknowledgements

The research discussed in this article is co-financed by Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, and major companies in Finland. This article was presented at the DET2009 conference held at the University of Hong Kong during 14–16 December 2009 and included in the conference proceedings published by Springer.