Prokon/Plan-A Modelling Tool for Project Planning and Control

The yards of the Aker Group in Norway have been using network techniques and ad hoc methods for planning and control for many years. The systems used have not been satisfactory, and a new moelling tool was devised for the yards. The basic building block of this tool is considerably more powerful than the activity of the traditional networks. It is called a Component, and carries both its own data and the algorithms needed to manipulate them. Each Component represents an identifiable portion of the real world in the yard. The planning process consists of the Components sending information to each other (messages), and acting upon information received. An experimental system for the planning and control of the Design Sector of A/S Bergens Mekaniske Verksteder has been developed.