Introduction to a central tool in the design chain of the model of the control system and in the predimensionment step of flexible manufacturing cells

The authors discuss the control monitoring system design of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). Specifically, attention is given to the use of the pregraph model in the framework of CASPAIM (Conception Assistee de Systemes de Production Automatises pour l´Industrie Manufacturiere). Pregraph provides a solid basis from which the detailed and structured model of the control part can be systematically designed. Secondly, the simulation of the pregraph is a very useful step in the CASPAIM project. It makes it possible to obtain quantitative information about the behavior of the system, fast prototyping of the operative system, and qualitative information on potential deadlocks. This will facilitate definition of the decision level rules