Functional specification of industrial control systems-an object-oriented approach

This paper addresses the possibilities in using an object-oriented approach when developing and maintaining industrial control systems. In order to fully gain from the approach, object-orientation should be used during all phases of control system development: functional specification, design, and implementation. This is particularly of importance when functionality of an industrial control system is to be specified. Functional specifications are commonly verbal. Here it is proposed that functionality be described in a more formal way by means of an object-oriented specification. This is also highlighted. Some functionality is easily described, whereas some requirements are not. It is concluded that an object-oriented approach as such has high potential, but further research is needed to fully utilize the approach for functional specifications.<>