A Framework for Adoption of Open Knowledge Driven-Manufacturing Execution System

Abstract

Open Knowledge Driven – Manufacturing Execution System (OKD-MES) is a comprehensive software solution for all activities in shop floor level. Like any other software system, it comes with packages of code. Adoption of OKD-MES means adoption of technologies like web services as a standard of communication, controllers with web capabilities, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), Ontologies in manufacturing etc. OKD-MES adoption in whole and part inspires the modern industries to move towards a digital world. Wide spread adoption of OKD-MES is possible when the user can identify the value in the system with clear metrics. The actors of this system come from different sections of the industry hence, information delivery plays a crucial role in the adoption process. OKD-MES has a layered architecture hence, a layer-by-layer adoption methodology is proposed. For every layer, guidelines, manuals and organized training contents are prepared to provide the user a working knowledge of the architecture, communication between layers, devices, etc. It is believed that training of every aspect of the system is essential for the adoption process. A use case approach is followed to provide developers, engineers and students a chance to understand working of the system. Tutorials are prepared from the obstacle faced in developing such a system. Pedagogical techniques are identified to facilitate the adoption process in both technical and commercial groups.

The guideline and training materials are validated with participants from different groups and their concerns are addressed in the training materials. An attempt has been made to capture the users verbatim with the help of a feedback procedure. This framework strives to initiate and maintain the process of adoption of OKD-MES.