ABSTRACT
Processautomationthereforereferstotheautomationofprocesses,includingalsonontechnicalones. In the case of technical processes, it involves three coupled kind of systems:
•A technical system (a technical product or installation) with an executed technical process •A data processing and communication system with an executed information process •Operatorpersonnelthatguideandobservethejobexecutionandreactinthecaseofexceptions
or system errors
25.1 Introduction ....................................................................................25-1 25.2Structures and Models of Batch Manufacturing Systems ........25-3
25.3 Currently Applied Communication Systems .............................25-8 25.4 Upcoming Requirements of Distributed Process
Automation ..................................................................................25-8 25.5Industrial Ethernet as the “Silver Bullet” for Future
Process Automation Communication Needs ........................... 25-10 References .................................................................................................. 25-11
Diªerent types of processes can be identi¦ed and their application domains are depicted in Figure 25.1. ¥e process types are characterized as follows:
• Discrete processes contain data of ¦xed points in time and space to follow determined time schedules and determined target locations. Discrete processes can therefore be regarded as nonstationary processes. ¥ey usually appear at the production of individual work pieces with a de¦ned shape and determined measurements. Common activities involve the treatment of surfaces, shaping of work pieces, and the assembly of parts to create more complex products such as the engine of a car.
