Interfacing Discrete Digital Workshop Systems via Data Dictionary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Discrete manufacturing enterprises in China face challenges with low equipment digitalization levels, leading to 'information islands' and difficulties in achieving full-process automated production and informatization management, which results in unstable product quality, low efficiency, and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A method of interfacing a discrete digital workshop information system is proposed, integrating PLM, ERP, MES, EMS, and WMS through a data dictionary, enabling interoperability between field equipment and information systems, and facilitating bottom-up vertical and horizontal integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple information systems (PLM, ERP, MES, WMS, EMS) are implemented in discrete manufacturing enterprises, then functional capabilities are improved, but information isolation and system integration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an integration platform as an intermediary layer between multiple information systems (PLM, ERP, MES, WMS, EMS) and field equipment. This platform provides standardized interfaces and data exchange protocols, enabling seamless communication without direct point-to-point connections between systems, thus reducing integration complexity while maintaining full functional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration platform is designed with universal interfaces that can connect various information systems and equipment types through standardized protocols. This multi-functional approach allows a single platform to handle diverse data exchange requirements across different systems, reducing the need for multiple specialized integration solutions.
2Extent of automation
If equipment digitalization is increased to eliminate information islands, then production control capability is improved, but implementation difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the digitalization implementation into hierarchical layers: field equipment layer, integration platform layer, and information system layer. This segmentation allows equipment to be digitalized incrementally through standardized interfaces, with the integration platform handling complexity centrally rather than requiring complete reconfiguration of each equipment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration platform serves as a mediator between field equipment and upper-level information systems, providing standardized communication protocols that simplify equipment digitalization. Equipment only needs to implement standard interfaces with the platform, reducing implementation difficulty while achieving full production control capability.
3Loss of information
If standardized data definitions are implemented across different equipment manufacturers, then information integration is improved, but initial system setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements standardized data definitions by transforming equipment parameters into unified data models within the integration platform. Different manufacturer equipment parameters are mapped to standardized definitions, enabling consistent information integration while the platform handles the transformation complexity automatically, reducing initial setup burden.
4Manufacturing precision
If full-process automated production and informatization management are achieved, then product quality tracing is improved, but system complexity and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous data flow across the entire production process through the integration platform, connecting PLM, ERP, MES, WMS, and EMS systems. This continuous information stream enables complete product quality tracing from raw materials to finished products, while the platform's standardized interfaces reduce overall system complexity compared to disconnected systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of interfacing a discrete digital workshop information system is provided, where the information system includes mutual integration among product lifecycle management (PLM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), a manufacturing execution system (MES), an energy management system (EMS), and a warehouse management system (WMS) of a finished product. A method of interfacing based on a data dictionary fusing different function datasets is proposed to solve the problems of a current discrete industry information system, such as single in function, a small amount of integrated information, a large number of “information islands” existing, incapable of achieving full-process informatization management and control, difficulty in product quality tracing and the like. By the method, it is possible to realize flexible production in a discrete manufacturing industry, precise management and control of a production process, significant improvement in product quality and significant reduction in operating costs.