Towards an axiomatic framework to support the design of holonic systems

The constant domination of customer requirements has forced survival industries to become more and more agile. As a response to this necessity, the Holonic Manufacturing System (HMS) project proposed the principles of a re-configurable system constructed from autonomous and cooperative elements. The desired degree of response to market needs can be achieved by exploring concepts from the holonic paradigm and translating them into practical applications. The paper proposes a framework developed under the axiomatic design concept to aid the design of holonic systems. This framework is the Holonic System Design Deployment (HSDD). The article establishes that it is possible to focus the holonic principles when an approach based on HSDD is applied. Doing so, it is expected that an authentic holonic system is easier developed and the desired benefits achieved.