An understandable and configurable domain-specific framework for industrial automation applications

Modern industrial automation software is growing more and more complex. At the same time development time and costs have to be reduced. In order to reconcile these opposing demands a new approach is needed based on domain-specific architectures with appropriate plug-in components. Object-oriented frameworks offer a reuse efficiency not achievable with other techniques. Unfortunately, framework comprehension and use is normally difficult due to a steep learning curve and the lack of tool support. This work proposes the use of component models for structuring frameworks in order to simultaneously improve usability and comprehension of object-oriented frameworks. The approach is illustrated with a framework for elevator control software complying to the JavaBeans component model. This paper discusses the structure and the advantages of the approach but also reveals problematic points which should be considered in similar projects.