Configuration methods and tools for manufacturing systems integration

Abstract The discussion is based on the work of the Systems Integration (SI) group at Loughborough University which has identified features of a framework or infrastructure for systems integration. The provision of such a framework can form a basis for the specification of integration projects and sub-components in order to permit the interchange, reconfiguration, expansion and transferability of the whole or part solutions so generated. The overall aim is to enable a logical mapping of integration tools, implementations and solutions to physical resources at all phases from manufacturing system inception to operation.