Integration of manufacturing information using open hypermedia

This paper discusses some of the benefits from using an open hypermedia system to deliver the diverse range of information found within the manufacturing environment. The open hypermedia approach to information management and delivery allows a single multimedia resource base to be used for a range of applications, and permits a user to have controlled access to the required information, in an easily accessible and structured manner. Our approach is illustrated by the presentation of a case study of a system delivering maintenance and process information on the factory floor, within a fully automated manufacturing plant. The development of the application is discussed, together with guide lines for the authoring and delivery of information. It is our contention that with the integration of open hypermedia, and knowledge based systems together with network technology giving access to external databases, the concept of industrial strength hypermedia can be realised. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.