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This document identifies the major user requirements, in a largely technology-independent manner, for the applications systems engineering and lifecycle support of distributed smart embedded devices in selected manufacturing applications. It should be noted that a specific intention in this deliverable was not to carry out a broad but shallow survey of application requirements, since the results of such studies are often of little value in the creation of practical engineering tools, and also because D1.2 has already addressed the broad capture of user requirements across all aspects of the SOCRADES project. Rather, the aim here has been to take an in-depth look at the complete lifecycle and to look at the engineering partners involved in selected application domains in which the prototype engineering tools to be created will be evaluated later in the project. In particular, this work captures user requirements in two application areas: automotive powertrain assembly and ship sub-assembly.
The appropriate use of virtual engineering is seen as a key factor in future engineering environment, and hence this deliverable includes a brief use case which focuses on the relationship between real and modelled machine components. Each component may potentially be a SOCRADES smart embedded device.
The main novelty of the approach adopted here is an attempt to look at user requirements from four key perspectives, namely in the control, enterprise integration, supply chain and lifecycle contexts. From a design perspective, ease of configuration and subsequently reconfiguration of machines is seen as of key importance in terms of both machine structure and process description. The ability of the user to effectively monitor and interact with the machine is seen as key in the commissioning and operational phases and is applicable in different respects to all supply chain partners. Virtual engineering is considered of key importance at all phases in the lifecycle and across the supply-chain. Standardisation and the adoption of open systems is seen by users as a key enabler for seamless enterprise integration and highly desirable within control systems themselves, provided the performance requirements of the automation applications can be met.
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