An Object Oriented Modeling Engine of Manufacturing Systems

Implementation of scheduling systems often fails due in part to an oversimplification of reality. Additionally, high implementation costs are derived from the lack of separation between the plant model and the scheduling algorithms. The proposed modeling engine addresses this problem by enabling the analyst to define high-level plant elements. Some of the distinctive features of the proposed engine are the capabilities for modeling features such as alternative process routes and resources; plant element attributes; raw-material selection; and resource constraints. We implemented a Java-based modeling engine which includes a cross-platform architecture with an open application programming interface (API) and a high-level declarative language. The API allows third-party applications, such as graphical modeling and scheduling software, to connect to the plant models defined in the engine.