NGMS IMS program was endorsed by the IMS in November 1995 and Phase I commenced in January 1999. The Phase I work was divided into three main workpackages, each with several tasks and subtasks. 

Phase I Members

NGMS Interim (Phase I) Report

The NGMS Interim Report contains the full results of the work undertaken in Phase I. Copies on a CD-ROM can be ordered from CAM-I.

Work Package 1

This work package provides the framework for the NGMS IMS Program and has three tasks:

• Task 1.1 - Description of NGMS - This will provide a standard description of NGMS, defining key words and key concepts.
• Task 1.2 - Specification of NGMS - This maintains the NGMS Specification as a timely and complete documentation of the vision and functions of NGMS.
• Task 1.3 - NGMS Systems Integration - Developing and maintaining an NGMS systems integration framework for evaluating the integrability of the work products.

Partners involved: All Partners from Japan, Europe and USA.   Top                        

Work Package 2

This workpackage planned to develop on-line knowledge bases to describe advanced technologies, processes, systems and materials to enable manufacturing engineers to incorporate them into their work. It was not started due to insufficient interest among the partner companies.

Partners involved: None

Work Package 3

Several approaches to modelling NGMS have been suggested. In this work package there are four tasks involving modelling and simulation for NGMS from four perspectives. These four tasks will be done largely on a regional basis with a cross-regional task to ensure a consistent representation of NGMS.   Top

Task 3.1 - Modelling and Simulation of Agile Manufacturing Systems - This task focuses on functional models of the production processes. It is derived from ongoing work in Autonomous & Distributed Manufacturing Systems (ADMS) being conducted under the Japanese Domestic IMS initiative.   Top

Task 3.2 - Next Generation Enterprise Modelling, Simulation and Management (NEXGEMMS) - The purpose of this task is to develop new forms of enterprise models, related methodologies and supporting tools to assist in the formation, transition and management of next generation enterprises. This task forms the basis of the NEXGEMMS project proposal to the European Commission.   Top

Task 3.3 - Modelling for Biological Manufacturing Systems - In this task, the basic models for Biological Manufacturing Systems (BMS) will be established. BMS seeks to realise the key NGMS characteristics using recent results from biology, molecular biochemistry, applied mathematics, and computer science as related to artificial life.   Top

Task 3.4 - Modelling for Virtual Enterprises - Virtual Enterprises are transitory. They combine autonomous and distributed work units to meet a specific need. They then dissolve once the need is met. In this task, models will be developed to provide assistance in the formation and management of virtual manufacturing enterprises. Both the needs of the virtual enterprise as an entity and the individual work units will be considered.   Top

Task 3.5 - Modelling Tools and Model Integration - The previous tasks have been separated to take advantage of the strengths, interests and funding opportunities of the Regional groups of Partners. In this task a mechanism will be to integrate the four other tasks. A cross-regional group will establish common standards for the object oriented modelling tools, algorithms and methodologies. It will build on the integration efforts of the other four tasks in Work Package 3.

Task 3.6 - International Collaboration Projects - AS NGMS IMS Phase I developed a number of bilateral collaboration projects developed between partners in Japan and Europe, and Japan and USA.  Top