Dynamic workflow prioritization based on block finite position machines

Reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS) require different priorities in the workflow, which depend of several circumstances, such as cost, productivity and time. Unfortunately, existing workflow management solutions are designed to handle static manufacturing processes; when a workflow change occurs, these solutions usually stop the affected workflow completely and start the modified one from scratch. This paper describes an engineering process representation, developing modular systems by B-FPM blocks based on Finite Position Machines. The approach is especially suitable for describing large-scale, mature design processes involving numerous tasks for large-size manufacturing systems, some of which may be performed by automated computer solutions.