Conceptual model of Internet-enabled flexible manufacturing systems

This paper discusses the work involving a conceptual model of Internet Enabled Flexible Manufacturing Systems (IEFMS) that includes system design, software development for interfacing with the subsystems and system validation. IEFMS aims at effectively replacing traditional, proprietary control devices with enterprise-enabled control and real-time information platforms. The heart of IEFMS is a browser through which automated manufacturing interfaces with the resources. A client with the need for a product to be designed and manufactured accesses the IEFMS web site. On receiving the necessary parameters from the customer, design and analysis are executed on the remote server, returning a three-dimensional finished model of the product buttressed with its technical details. On viewing the product, the purchase is decided upon. The next step following the verification of the purchase details is the determination of a manufacturing center, the decision being based on various criteria such as location, time, manufacturing cost, etc., which is a prerogative of the client. The remote-manufacturing center is then called upon and the design details are transferred following which the manufacturing process is executed.