This work introduces the benefits of object-oriented programming and discusses how the technology can be used to improve productivity in building software systems in the manufacturing domain. It addresses a wide range of issues from languages, design principles, research examples through to industrial applications and management issues. In essence, the main objective of the book is to interpret and apply object-oriented concepts in the context of designing manufacturing systems applications.

I must confess that I stumbled upon the object-oriented (00) world view during my explorations into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) in search of a new solution to the problem of building computer-integrated manufacturing systems (CIM). In 00 computing, I found the constructs to model the manufacturing enterprise in terms of information, a resource that is common to all activities in an organization. It offered a level of modularity, and the coupling/binding neces- sary for fostering integration without placing undue restrictions on what the individual applications can do. The...