Implementation of computer integrated manufacturing systems using SIP: CIM case studies using a STEP approach

The integration of software tools in industrial environment, under standardization of information modelling is addressed. The results achieved and the knowledge acquired during utilization of the STEP STandard to Exchange Product data models- ISO10303-based integration platform SIP toolkit within small and medium sized industrial enterprises SME . Because the scene actually found in the computer integrated manufacturing CIM world is one where a large number of tools has been developed without a global view of the manufacturing system, to enhance adaptability and productivity the integration of commercial tools should be considered. The SIP toolkit was created by UNINOVA- Institute for Development of new Technologies, Lisbon-Portugal, in the ambit of a European project, to support the integration and management of heterogeneous managerial and engineering applications within SME. Special attention is given to the internal architecture of SIP and the information system architecture implemented, describing in detail the integration process of the selected applications using the platform facilities. The real contribution of SIP towards CIM is also presented.