MAP: BLUEPRINT FOR A NEW INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.

MAP is an evolving, user-defined, local-area network (LAN) communication protocol standard for an automated factory. Initially proposed and defined by GM, its scope has been expanded to include other manufacturers so as to launch an industrywide specification. The goal of the MAP program is to create a factory communication-network utility to which computer-based equipment can be attached as easily as plugging a light into an electric wall socket. The protocol structure is described and the list of suppliers of MAP-compatible products is presented.