Object-oriented modelling of material flow controls

Abstract

For a number of years, software design has featured methods of software engineering. Object-oriented modelling (OOM) is a new and very promising method for the professional production of software. This paper aims to contribute to the application of the OOM in planning and deals with the implementation of controls for flexible automated material flow systems. The method of application of the OOM to the design of automatic systems is systematically approached. The introduction provides an overview of the planning process and the history of modelling methods. This is followed by a demonstration of how OOM and its components, `object-oriented analysis', `design' and `programming', can contribute to the handling of the complex demands of a flexible material flow system (I. Wache, Selbstorganisierende Materialflußsteuerung für die flexible Fertigung, in: Tagungsband The International Workshop on Machine Dynamics and Production Automation, April 20–22, 1995 Szcecin, Poland, 18 S; H.-J. Warnecke, Revolution der Unternehmenskultur: Das Fraktale Unternehmen, Springer, Berlin, 1993, 282 S.) The example of a control for the flow of material in an automated pallet transportation system proves the feasibility of the methodology. The pallet transportation system is described in detail in I. Wache, Das Materialfluβsystem `Kugelpalette' für die flexible Fertigung, in: Wissenschaftliche Zeitschrift des Instituts für Fabriksysteme und Logistik, Universität Rostock, Institut für Fabriksysteme und Logistik, 1994, 11 S.