Abstract
This paper presents an overview of the evolution of factory communications and related standards, ranging from industrial network standards' such as MAP(2), up to distributed platforms like OSF/DCE3 and OMG/CORBA(4). This overview has a particular emphasis on the advantages and constraints of distributed platforms as a means to support shop floor communications. The underlying work stems from and complements that of a previous paper (Santos et al.,1997) presenting a specific view on distributed platforms towards CIMOSA integrating infrastructure implementation. Copyright (C) 1998 IFAC.

Abstract
The Modelling Workbench briefly described in this paper was the result of a research project undertaken at the INESC Porto. It was the outcome of the integration of a SDL (Specification and Description Language) software modelling constructs into Simple++, an object-oriented material flow modelling and simulation tool, as well as its further integration with a CASE tool. The modelling environment provided by this Modelling Workbench supports the integrated modelling of material and information flow. Copyright (C) 1998 IFAC.

Abstract
Computer technology for process support using transaction processing has a long tradition, but with mixed results. Tn a fast changing environment like nowadays, traditional information systems approaches need to be upgraded with workflow management technology. Telework, considered as an innovative work organisation-form for new decentralised organisational structures, further call for the use of workflow management technology. Currently there is no co-ordination tool with specific planning functionality for this purpose. This paper presents the approach taken to engineering of a workflow management system, supporting the co-ordination of decentralised telework activities through telework activity chain model execution.

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Abstract

Abstract
This paper describes the components and functionalities of a Modelling Workbench (MW) to be used within the context of the so-called Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture (PERA) methodology. The different life-cycle phases of an enterprise integration project and the model building blocks provided are presented and described. A short description of the proposed prestandard ENV 40 003 basic reference model, which provides the context for the so-called executable models, is first presented. This is followed by an explanation of the use of the MW within the context of the Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture life-cycle support. While most of the issues discussed in this paper are confined to the shop floor environment and related applications, the general underlying concepts are relevant to manufacturing systems in general.