An intelligent design network for manufacturing systems' cooperation

Abstract

The paper describes a design/planning network (PN) which is used to assist the better harmonization and higher quality and production volume of small and medium size enterprises (SME), if they are joining their efforts by being active members of the PN. The PN means a real-time, online network with three basic functions covered by: the local planning module, the coordination unit (CU) and the evaluation module (EM) software units. This PN is a kind of virtual, or extended enterprise, however it is different because of the long-term cooperation of the partners, instead of working together only for 1-2 given orders. The intelligence of the PN is supported by expert systems in the CU and EM.