The ABB Flexible Automation approach for developing new software tools dedicated to advanced manufacturing and servicing technologies

Manufacturing companies in the 21st Century will face frequent, unpredictable market changes. These changes include frequent, rapid introduction of new products, changes in parts for existing products, changes in process technology, changes in product demand and mix, and changes in government regulations. To stay competitive, manufacturing companies must possess a new type of manufacturing system that is very responsive to all these market chances. To stay competitive, manufacturing companies must possess precisely the production capacity and functionality needed exactly when and where it is needed. This calls for reliable and mobile production units that can be easily rearranged in order to cope with unpredictable and frequent market changes. Production units will be leased for the time needed, and, for the time in use the company will ask the production unit builder to guarantee the exact functionality of the equipment itself. Production units maintenance will become an external service for the company. In this paper we will present The ABB Flexible Automation approach for developing new software tools dedicated to supervision, monitoring and remote control.