The objective of the NGMS-IMS project Phase II effort is:

• To develop the best ideas on advanced manufacturing systems within the context of the Digital Factory

• Integrate them into the Next Generation Manufacturing Systems (NGMS).  The key issues of NGMS will have to do as much with the integrability of manufacturing technologies and processes as with the technologies and processes themselves.

The NGMS-IMS project Phase II has established a framework for the project and is undertaking a set of short range Tasks that will be completed by December 2002 to:

• Develop a unifying description of NGMS

• Continue the on-going development of NGMS Characteristics and Requirements to capture the results of the individual R&D activities.

• Develop a framework for ensuring the integrability of the results into a cost-effective NGMS that is operating within an NGME.

• Develop an integratable set of models and simulators merging a bottoms-up view of the factory floor as it will be found in NGMEs

• A top-down view of the globally distributed virtual enterprises that will constitute those NGMEs.

• The basic concept of the Digital Factory will define the research and development direction and industry test cases the project will engage in during the next three years.

Benefit of adopting next generation manufacturing systems

Interested in Joining the NGMS IMS program?

Contact Chuck Anderson