The Product Model System of CIM for Shipbuilding

Abstract

Ship & Ocean Foundation has developed the pilot model system of CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing System) for Shipbuilding by March, 1992. One of the most special feature of CIM for Shipbuilding is the product model which keeps the information about products (ships) independently of the application systems. The product model must satisfy “Integration”, “Consistency” and “Universality”.“Integration” means that the product model must serve various application systems, not limited to a specific application system. For this purpose, the structure of information had better be similar to the structure of the product in real world.“Consistency” means that the product model system can manage the data to keep consistency of the information. For this purpose, product monel must have the information about relationship among the other information.“Universality” means that the variety of products (kind of ships, pattern of construction, etc.) has little influence on the structure of the product model system or the application systems. For this purpose, the product model system must be constructed from functional units, and the communication protocol between the product model system and the application systems must be independent of the structure of the product model system.By developing and using the pilot model of product model system (PPMS), it is clarified that the concepts of “Entity-Relationship Model”, “Object-Oriented” and “Model Manipulation Language” have effect on the product model system to satisfy the previous items.On the other hand, for developing the practical use system, the further study of some items, which includes the methodology for developing and compatibility between the hi-level functions and the performance, are needed.