User-Driven and Configurable Tool-Set for CIM Implementation in SMEs

CIMPLE - 5424

Keywords CIM system implementation, system design tools, simulation, SMEs, technology transfer

Start Date: 01-OCT-90 / Duration: 24 months

[ contact / participants ]

Objectives and Approach

The objective of this project is to provide a set of tools and a methodology to support the implementation of CIM in SMEs.

The project will develop and evaluate five prototype elements:

• a requirement workbench, consisting of a worksheet and toolbox to model a manufacturing enterprise, its objectives and its CIM requirements, and to produce a specification of these requirements
• a solution workbench, consisting of a template assembly module to convert the CIM specification into a vendor-independent template and vendor specific solution, and a product configuration module to configure existing CIM products to match the template
• a configuration auditor, to compare the capability and effectiveness of the CIM specification and solution against the SME's business objectives and CIM requirements
• a user interface monitor generator, to provide a means to develop standardised user interfaces
• a computer-assisted CIM implementation methodology, to encapsulate and describe the most effective use of the system

An integrated prototype will be created and executed in the end-user site.

Exploitation

The system will enable CIM designers to develop a profile of the client SME, perform a business simulation, evaluate the resulting CIM options, and create a specification for the required CIM solution. A CIM vendor will be able to use the system to design a solution, configure CIM software to meet the individual SME's specification, and audit the specification using simulation type tools.

The project will develop company-independent prototype tools which adhere to the guidelines set down in the X-OPEN Portability Guide (XPG3). The prototype platform will be PCs or intelligent workstations running under Unix. The software will be written in C or C++ and will run on a relational database software with an SQL interface.

CONTACT POINT

Ms Sharon T. Burgmeier
KEWILL SYSTEMS PLC
Ashley House - 20-32 Church Street
UK - WALTON-ON-THAMES KT12 2QS
tel: + 44/ 932-226516
fax: + 44/ 932-232449
telex: 915093 KEWILL G

Participants

KEWILL SYSTEMS PLC - UK - C
BIBA - D - P
FORDESI - P - P
NOKIA RESEARCH CENTRE - SF - P
ASOCIACION DE INVESTIGACION
TEKNIKER - E - P
TEAM SRL - I - P
BLOBIS - E - P
IBK SYSTEM-UND SOFTWAREHAUS GMBH - D - A
ISARDATA COMPUTER UND SOFTWARE
VERTRIEBS GMBH - D - A

CIMPLE - 5424, December 1993

please address enquiries to the ESPRIT Information Desk

html version of synopsis by Nick Cook