4layer: An Idea to Bridge the Gap Between Machine Control Units and the Production Planning System

Rolf Pfiffner, Hans Gfeller & Thomas Wildi, BYSTRONIC Maschinen AG

Most present glass factories prepare their production run with a planning system that optimises the chronology and minimises the waste. The planned data are transferred by so-called batches of cutting plans or production files. The data transfer from the planning system to the control units of the corresponding production lines (cutting or IG line) is therefore based on an exchange of electronic files. On the other side, the status of the machines as well as the progress of the production is usually not known by the planning system. These circumstances are responsible for a quite low ability to react in case of not foreseen events during production, e.g. broken panes, machine break down etc. Although a direct electronic connection between the planning system and the machine control units could solve the problem, it is not yet applied due to the high complexity and variety of the data, interfaces and technologies used by the machine manufacturers and production planning system suppliers.

The 4layer concept is a first attempt to overcome these problems by structuring the whole production process into 4 different layers and the interfaces between them. A general interface to the machine control unit as well as to the production planning system is proposed in order to reduce the complexity/variety of the various manufacturers and suppliers. The realisation of this concept will lead to a powerful integration of machines from different manufacturers, a more trackable production process, a higher reaction rate, automatic configuration of the production planning system and various other advantages.

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The Authors

	Mr. Rolf Pfiffner Bystronic Maschinen AG Bystronic Maschinen AG Rolf Pfiffner is the Manager of the R&D department of Bystronic Maschinen AG. Bystronic is a global solution provider with a complete range of glass processing products and services for Architectural ... Read more
	Mr. Hans Gfeller Bystronic Maschinen AG Hans Gfeller is head of product development and member of the board of Bystronic Maschinen AG. Bystronic glass is a global solution provider with a complete range of glass processing products and serv... Read more