System and method for managing software applications, particularly manufacturing execution system (MES) applications
AssigneeSiemens Aktiengesellschaft
InventorWerner Offenmuller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Software applications (A1-A6), especially MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) applications often exist in a heterogeneous form. The inventive system and method enable a user at a work station (AV1-AV3, PIW1, PIW2) to manage and monitor a number of different applications. Applications from the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) level and from the automation level can also be integrated. In addition, a user can define and monitor workflows (operations for carrying out, e.g. production orders).
Claims27
A system for integrating and/or managing software applications, particularly MES applications, comprising:
- at least one computer unit for storing the software applications,
- at least one framework program coupling the software applications,
- a display apparatus for
- defining and/or displaying workflow information regarding prescribable software applications in a first screen area,
- displaying state information characterizing prescribable software applications in a second screen area, and
- at least one adapter for connecting the software applications to the framework program, with provision being made for communication between the software applications using the framework program.
A method for integrating and managing software applications, particularly MES applications, in industrial installations and/or in industrial processes, in which the software applications are stored on at least one computer unit, in which the software applications can be coupled to one another by means of at least one framework program, in which workflow information regarding prescribable software applications is defined and/or displayed in a first screen area on a display apparatus, in which state information characterizing prescribable software applications is displayed in a second screen area, and in which the software applications are connected to the framework program using adapters, with communication and/or data interchange between the software applications being effected using the framework program.
A computer program for integrating and managing software applications, in industrial installations, in which the software applications can be coupled to one another by means of at least one framework program, in which workflow information regarding prescribable software applications is displayed in a first screen area on a display apparatus, in which state information characterizing prescribable software applications is displayed in a second screen area, and in which the software applications are connected to the framework program using adapters, with communication between the software applications being effected using the framework program.
A data storage medium for storing a computer program for integrating and managing software applications, in industrial installations and/or in industrial processes, in which the software applications can be coupled to one another by means of at least one framework program, in which workflow information regarding prescribable software applications is displayed in a first screen area on a display apparatus, in which state information characterizing prescribable software applications is displayed in a second screen area, and in which the software applications are connected to the framework program using adapters, with communication between the software applications being effected using the framework program.
A data processing device on which a computer program for integrating and managing software applications, in industrial installations is installed, in which the software applications can be coupled to one another by means of at least one framework program, in which workflow information regarding prescribable software applications is displayed in a first screen area on a display apparatus, in which state information characterizing prescribable software applications is displayed in a second screen area, and in which the software applications are connected to the framework program using adapters, with communication between the software applications being effected using the framework program.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.