Integration of operations in process systems: a systems and control perspective

The problem of system integration in the context of an Industrial Enterprise is a multidimensional problem with fundamental dimensions those of: (i) Overall process operations, (ii) Overall System Design/Redesign, and (iii) Information, Data and Software. Each of the above three areas is addressed by respective groups which consider their area as representing the entirety of the problem and they frequently ignore the other important dimensions. The aim of this paper is to consider first the general problem of integration from all its fundamental aspects and focus on the key paradigm of Global Operations and then show that systems and Control concepts and problems play a central role in the development of an overall integration methodology and associated techniques. The subject of modelling emerges with a central role in the effort to develop integration and new families of systems emerge in the corresponding areas. Amongst the important families of systems that are crucial for system integration are the Multilevel hybrid systems (Hierarchy of Operations), Structure Evolving systems (in the total Design and Life-cycle analysis), and Object Dynamic Systems (Data problems). The significance of the above families in the integration process and their link with generalised control problems are discussed. The paper provides an overview of the subject area and focuses on the development of the general conceptual framework for integration.