Computer control of machines is now commonplace in industrial, commercial and domestic situations. Digitally controlled equipment is available from many
sources and can be configured in various ways to produce software controlled
industrial machines. However, despite major technological developments in
real-time control there is still a pressing need for a methodology to facilitate
its widespread utilization. The variety of equipment available and range of
manufacturers involved has resulted in the emergence of a great many techniques
and standards relating to communication, information exchange and programming.
However, where standards exist they are often de facto and non-conformity is
common.
The performance capabilities of computer controlled machines should reflect
the state-of-the-art with respect to the enabling technology. Progress both in
technical and commercial terms can be rapid, with frequent changes in the
leading suppliers. No single supplier is likely to have the expertise or
resources to develop and maintain a leading position as the source of all the
items needed to create integrated systems. A system builder wishing to optimize
his design must therefore use proprietary building blocks from a number of
different sources. However, this means that large amounts of time and effort
must be allocated to the development of custom software to integrate different
manufacturer's equipment. The alternative is to limit the choice to known items
from a restricted range of suppliers, but the associated risks are well known.
At best, the system builder is likely to be cut off from the progress of the
technology and at worst he may be unable to obtain equipment support and
supply
