Abstract: Relevant data is extracted from engineering or system documents. The data is represented by a given hierarchical system structure in a predetermined system characteristic structure. The hierarchical system structure is loaded onto an MES-component to enable it to become operational. References to the original engineering or system documents are loaded onto the MES-components to enable navigation of the documents inside the MES-component.

Abstract: A real process is simulated for preventively detecting the need for maintenance and the simulation is synchronized with the real process. Malfunctioning can be timely detected from a process control viewpoint by comparing the real process with the simulation and maintenance measures can be appropriately managed. Downtime in a facility can thus be reduced and individual process steps are optimized.

Abstract: According to the invention, relevant data (RD1, RD2) is extracted from engineering or system documents (AD1, AD2). Said data is represented by means of a given hierarchical system structure (HAS) in a predetermined system characteristic structure (AKZ). Said hierarchical system structure is loaded onto the MES-component (K) to enable it to become operational. References to the original engineering or system documents (AD1, AD2) are loaded onto the MES-components (K) to enable navigation in said documents inside the MES-component.

Abstract: In order to automatically generate simulation programs, basic program operations of a real program are made available in the recipe management. Furthermore, process parameters of the real process are made available in the sequence logic (SFC). The basic program operations are automatically linked to the process parameters in order to simulate the method, whereby a simulation model is generated that is initialized according to the real process. Method simulation is advantageously controlled simultaneously by the process control system of the real process. Parallel running of the real process with the simulation process enables effective monitoring and improved maintenance management.

Abstract: For determining the position of a switch and for monitoring the connecting line for short circuits and interruptions, threshold stages containing Zener diodes are provided. A voltage or a current having periodically changing amplitude, preferably a triangular waveform, is fed to the switch via the line being monitored. The threshold voltages of the Zener diodes may be equal or staggered, depending on the manner of connection of the diodes in the circuit. For instance, if a Zener diode is connected in series with the switch, which may be either make contact or break contact and a Zener diode is shunted across the switch, Zener diodes with the same threshold voltage are used.