An Integrated Manufacturing Process Control System: Implementation in IBM Manufacturing

An integrated manufacturing process control system has been developed and implemented in several of IBM's manufacturing facilities to control process and test equipment used in the manufacture of IBM products. The system architecture consists of a central, on-line, IBM 360 Data Processing System operating under OS/360 which communicates via high-speed data channels to satellite IBM 1800, 1130 and System/360 processors. These satellite processors control various types of process and test equipment. The central system serves as a common data bank and an input/output device for the satellite processors. In addition, the central system performs data analysis and management reporting on information obtained from the manufacturing floor. This paper discusses the general system requirements and specifications along with the hardware and software required to implement those requirements and specifications. Also discussed are problems which were encountered after initial development and plans for future development.