Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing apparatus for appropriately managing information about parts of the manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a vehicle dealer and manufacturer to match dealer orders and manufacturing plant shipments easily and equitably are disclosed. The method significantly decreases processing time, saving valuable time, money, and manpower resources. An automated linear expression calculation for determining and balancing vehicle allocation allows for equitable balancing of manufacturing plant orders and efficient optimization. The linear expression calculation may be performed in an iterative series of steps. The linear expression calculation handles a plurality of attribute features, thereby accommodating a plurality of dealer requests and vehicle options. The linear expression calculation creates a matrix representing the plurality of attribute features, and with each iteration the values within the matrix are refined and optimized, with the resulting matrix representing an optimized and balanced allocation of manufacturing plant production orders among a plurality of manufacturing plants.

Abstract: A method and system for designing a probe card from data provided by prospective customers via the Internet is provided. Design specifications are entered into the system by prospective customers and compiled into a database. The collective feasibility of each set of design specifications is determined by an automated computer system and communicated to the prospective customer. If feasible, additional software enables prospective customers to create verification packages according to their respective design specifications. These verification packages further consist of drawing files visually describing the final design and verification files confirming wafer bonding pad data. Verification packages are reviewed and forwarded to an applications engineer after customer approval. An interactive simulation of probe card performance is also provided.

Abstract: A method of automating validation in a manufacturing facility is disclosed. The method comprises defining requirements, selecting and integrating automated devices for manufacturing. A hub-box with communication links is used to integrate the automated devices. The hub-box controls and facilitates communication between automated devices. The hub-box further collects and analyzes processing data for validation of the process. By interconnecting the automated devices to a hub-box, processing data may be collected substantially real-time and accessed remotely, facilitating continuous process validation.

Abstract: A centralized control apparatus includes a data collecting part that gathers data at a predetermined interval from a substrate processing apparatus for each component in the substrate processing apparatus; a data processing part that determines a status of each component based on the gathered data and regulation control information including attribute information about each component, maintenance information and previously established status-determined information about each component, at a predetermined timing established for each component, and performs thinning-out-processing to the gathered data on a determination result and prepares processed data by processing data obtained by the thinning-out-processing; and a data transmitting part that sends the regulation control information including the determination result and the processed data to a terminal unit.

Abstract: A manufacturing system, located at a manufacturing system site, includes a discharger for discharging a liquid material having fluidity onto a substrate, communication means for transmitting and receiving data through a communication line, and monitoring means for monitoring the state of the discharger and for outputting data obtained by the monitoring through the communication means. The communication means provides communication between the monitoring means at the manufacturing system site and a server located outside of the manufacturing system site. The monitoring means receives a control command from the server through the communication means.

Abstract: Integration of factory level advanced process control (FL-APC) system and tool level advanced process control (TL-APC) system using selectable APC operation modes indicating different operational settings for the FL-APC system and at least one TL-APC system is disclosed. During operation, the FL-APC system controls operation of the TL-APC system. The invention allows a manufacturing execution system (MES) to have additional capability to run the process control functions at FL-APC system and/or TL-APC system, and allows integration of a variety of different tools with a TL-APC system. An implementation method, system and program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A substrate processing system of the present invention includes a transfer-in/out section for transferring-in/out a substrate and a processing section for performing a plurality of processing and treatments on the substrate, in which a throughput of substrate processing at a pre-stage performed from when the substrate is transferred in from the transfer-in/out section to when the substrate is transferred out to the external apparatus is set higher than a throughput of substrate processing at a post-stage performed from when the substrate is returned from the external apparatus into the processing section to when the substrate is returned into the transfer-in/out section.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture is disclosed for developing and managing a the test of a business initiative for a business network including business locations. In one aspect of the invention, a method is performed that includes performing a process for developing a business initiative to apply to the business network and performing a process for designing a test for the initiative. Further, the method includes executing the initiative at a set of test sites in accordance with the designed test, each test site corresponds to a selected business location in the business network. Also, performance results of the executed initiative may be analyzed and a rollout plan is created for implementing the initiative at a first set of business locations.

Abstract: A system for managing design parameters in a plurality of different CAD systems flexible for the plurality of different CAD systems having essentially different design purposes. In a method for managing design parameters being used in a plurality of different CAD systems, respectively, in order to prevent prolongation of the completion time of the entire design of a product, arbitrary design parameters in the design parameters being used in the plurality of different CAD systems, respectively, are brought into a virtually shared state among the plurality of different CAD systems. Design parameters in the virtually shared state and design parameters not in the virtually shared state are managed independently.

Abstract: A flexible control system and method of controlling a processing operation. The control system and method may be employed to control a high speed manufacturing system for processing articles of manufacture requiring processes to be performed on the articles at a pre-selected processing rate includes a trunk for simultaneously conveying a plurality of the articles of manufacture at the pre-selected processing rate in a first mode of motion from the beginning of the manufacturing system to the end of the system. At least one branch processing station is positioned intermediate the beginning and the end of the trunk wherein the branch processing station during its operation performs at least one process on articles of manufacture conveyed on the branch processing station and where the articles are conveyed in a second mode of motion.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates automatically scheduling an operation in an industrial environment. An interface component can facilitate receipt of a list/schedule including at least one operation related to a device within the industrial environment. A scheduler component can automatically perform the at least one operation on the device at a time indicated by the list/schedule utilizing at least one agent hosted by an agent component, wherein communication is employed with a bridge component. The bridge component can provide communication as if in the same program space between at least two of the scheduler component, the agent, the agent component, an agent component manager, and/or any suitable component that requires data transfer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving the implementation of automated job management for equipment in a factory. A software library is provided that allows a job management client, such as a thin station controller client, to communicate with an equipment server, such as an equipment interface bridge (EIB). The job management client can create, control and monitor jobs conveniently and efficiently utilizing industry standard protocols. The equipment server communicates directly in real-time with factory equipment. By providing an interface between a job management client and an equipment server, data consumer clients are effectively decoupled from job management clients, allowing next generation station controllers for monitoring and controlling equipment processing to be easily implemented. Layers of expensive and complex code currently in use for job management can be replaced with a superior and cost-effective thin-client, distributed architecture.

Abstract: To provide a method for determining a component pickup order used by a component mounting apparatus which has plural mounting heads, and which causes the mounting heads to alternately pick up components from a component supplying unit and mount the components onto boards. The component pickup order determining method includes pickup order determining steps (S2 and S4) of determining an order according to which the plural mounting heads pick up components from the component supplying unit, so that some of the components corresponding to two or more tasks do not remain in any one of restricted areas where one of the mounting heads cannot pick up any components, when the component supplying unit includes the restricted areas and a task is referred to as at least one of components which is mounted in one of repeatedly executed operation sequences each of which includes suctioning, moving and mounting of the components executed by the mounting heads.

Abstract: A data collection system includes: a contact information acquisition unit, for obtaining contact information; a state recognition unit, for obtaining, based on contact information acquired by the contact information acquisition unit, state information concerning the state of a equipment; a state coding unit, for transforming into coded contact associated information the state information obtained by the state recognition unit; and an output unit, for transmitting to an output apparatus contact information obtained by the contact information acquisition unit and for transmitting to a network apparatus contact associated information obtained by the state coding unit. With this arrangement, information concerning the operation of a equipment can be easily obtained, without requiring the reconstruction of a equipment or a great change in a sequence program, such as a programmable controller, mounted in the equipment.

Abstract: In a scheduling system for planning and scheduling production in an industrial production system, which scheduled production is to be executed by the production system under control of a manufacturing execution system, the scheduling system is a multi-agent scheduling system. At least a part of the behavior of the agents in the multi-agent system is customizable by visually defined scheduling rules. The scheduling system and manufacturing execution system share a definition and execution environment having an editor that visually defines both the scheduling rules and control rules of the manufacturing execution system, and an execution engine for executing the scheduling rules and control rules and making scheduling decisions based on an execution of the scheduling rules and control rules.

Abstract: Provided is a method for managing manufacturing apparatuses used in a managed production line including a plurality of manufacturing processes for manufacturing an electronic device, each of the apparatuses being used in one or more of the processes. The method includes acquiring a property of a reference device manufactured in a predetermined reference production line including the manufacturing processes to be performed, performing at least one of the manufacturing processes in the managed production line, performing the other manufacturing processes in the reference production line, and manufacturing a comparison device. The method further includes measuring a property of the comparison device, comparing the measured properties of the reference and the comparison devices, and judging whether a manufacturing apparatus used in the at least one manufacturing process in the managed production line is defective or not, based on a property difference between the reference and the comparison devices.

Abstract: A flexible control system and method of controlling a processing operation. The control system and method may be employed to control a high speed manufacturing system for processing articles of manufacture requiring processes to be performed on the articles at a pre-selected processing rate includes a trunk for simultaneously conveying a plurality of the articles of manufacture at the pre-selected processing rate in a first mode of motion from the beginning of the manufacturing system to the end of the system. At least one branch processing station is positioned intermediate the beginning and the end of the trunk wherein the branch processing station during its operation performs at least one process on articles of manufacture conveyed on the branch processing station and where the articles are conveyed in a second mode of motion.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the processing of an IC chip assembly line using a central computer system and a common communication protocol. In one embodiment, a manufacturing execution system (MES) is used as the computer system and the communications protocol is the standard semi equipment communications standard/generic equipment model (SECS/GEM). One or more equipment cell controllers (CC) may be used to communicate between the MES a plurality of in-line substations which comprise the assembly line. Automated vision camera systems may also communicate information to the MES via the CCs. In one embodiment, the MES maintains a database in memory comprising processing history of a die-strip and results of automated die-strip examination from the vision camera systems. In one embodiment, the die-strip may be of a ball grid array (BGA) type.

Abstract: A process to control product throughput in a multi-station manufacturing system is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for specifying custom hair pieces using three-dimensional digital acquisition devices. The system and method described herein uses electronic data acquisition techniques to electronically model a customer's head and hair line characteristics and to electronically record specifications for a custom hair piece. The electronic data containing certain head shape data and hair piece specifications is then electronically transmitted to a hair piece manufacturer for completion of the hair piece.

Abstract: A computer-readable recording medium recording a production management program that causes a computer to execute: a first process, based on a component table in which a group of components constituting a product is defined and on production planning information of the product, determining component planning information including a required period and a required quantity of each of the components; a second process linking the component planning information relating to each of the components within a certain period to an actual use record and recording it as first history information; a third process calculating a difference in the first history information recorded in chronological order and recording it as second history information; and a fourth process converting the second history information into a markup language and storing it, and searching and displaying the second history information on the basis of a specific component and period designated from outside.

Abstract: A material processing system includes an apparatus having a processing path. A saw station is located along the processing path. A positioner is configured to push a trailing end of a work piece along the processing path toward the saw station. A computer is connected to the apparatus, and programmed to provide a digital interface allowing an operator to control operation of the apparatus through the interface.

Abstract: A system for facilitating configuration of a process plant may include a process graphics editor and a process module editor. The process graphics editor may facilitate creation and/or modification of a graphical representation of physical entities in the process plant. The process module editor may facilitate creation and/or modification of a process module. A process module may include one or more interconnected process objects representative of one or more corresponding physical entities in the process plant. The system may also include a supervisor module communicatively coupled to the process graphics editor and the process module editor. The supervisor module may be capable of detecting changes made to the graphical representation of the physical entities using the process graphics editor. In response to detecting such changes, the supervisor module may instruct the process module editor to make a corresponding change, if any, to a process module.

Abstract: A method and system for a product line management is presented. The system is capable of performing steps of the method. The method includes a first step of obtaining a product line architecture (PLA). A second step of obtaining a Change Management Workflow (CMW), the CMW includes a plurality of change activities, and the CMW being capable of interacting with the PLA. A third step of obtaining value stream maps for both the PLA and the CMW. A fourth step of creating activity lines for each of the change activity according to the PLA and the CMW. A fifth step of computing risk indicatives for the PLA and the CMW. A sixth step of triggering changes in the PLA and the CMW according the change activity, activity line, risk indicatives, or any combination thereof. And another step of repeating the steps of obtaining value stream maps onwards while managing the product line.

Abstract: A system to manufacture orthodontic appliances, program product, and associated methods are provided. An embodiment of a system can include a virtual orthodontic appliance design computer having orthodontic appliance design program product provided to design a virtual dimensional representation of an orthodontic appliance including bracket bodies and bracket pads, and a mold apparatus positioned to form each bracket body and bracket pad. The system also includes a data processing computer including computer-aided manufacturing program product provided to derive electrical discharge device control instructions including a virtual dimensional representation of a bracket slot in the bracket, and an electrical discharge machining apparatus. The electrical discharge machining apparatus can include a controller including control program product to derive a control signal carrying the electrical discharge device control instructions and an electrical discharge device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provide for optimizing the result of an availability check of a required quantity of products, wherein a plurality of rounding algorithms are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided that comprises a first step of rounding, according to at least one predetermined rounding algorithm, the required quantity of products. The method may also comprise a second step of checking availability of the rounded quantity of products and a third step of rounding down, according to the at least one predetermined rounding algorithm, the available quantity of products if the available quantity of products is lower than the rounded required quantity of products.

Abstract: System(s) and method(s) are provided to enable phased acceptance of a product as part of an acquisition contract. Phased acceptance establishes a set of one or more phases of product acceptance, each directed to grant approval of a set of specific aspects of the product based at least in part on one of quality of operation or functional performance. Operational and functional performance metrics that determine acceptance thresholds in each acceptance phase are negotiated between a vendor and a client. To protect investment, phased acceptance can include remedies as part of each phase of acceptance based at least on one of product operational or functional failures, or unavailable features vendor committed to during negotiation of performance metrics; the remedies include at least one corrective measures or liquidated damages. A Final acceptance phase is the last approval from client to vendor, and can be employed to close out the acquisition contract.

Abstract: A cross-semiconductor fabrication (fab) facility transportation system and method for cross-fab transportation is provided. An exemplary method for cross-fab transportation includes providing a unified control unit that facilitates transportation of one or more wafers across a plurality of wafer fabrication facilities (“fabs”). The unified control unit facilitates selecting a wafer at a first location in a first automated material handling system (“AMHS”) of a first fab for transfer to a second AMHS of a second fab; selecting a second location within the second AMHS of the second fab; selecting a route for transferring the wafer between the first location and the second location; and issuing instructions to the first and second fabs, such that the wafer is transferred from the first location to the second location.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for controlling a heterogeneous mixture of hardware devices in a variety of semiconductor process equipment. In general, a generic Input and Output (I/O) interface is provided between a process management module for specifying control operations and the actual hardware devices of a particular process tool. The process management module generally includes high level processes and/or user interfaces for controlling one or more process tool(s) by interacting with a set of generic device objects that are abstractions of actual hardware devices of such tool(s). The I/O interface translates interactions with the generic device objects into interactions with the different hardware devices. The process management module utilizes one or more of these generic device objects to specify operation, in a generic manner, of hardware devices and the I/O interface translates such operations into operations that are specific to the different hardware devices.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a product during assembly or repair of the product includes use of a microserver configured to function as a local computing workstation and collect, store and process data for the product throughout the assembly or repair process. The microserver may be carried by a support structure that supports the product through the assembly or repair process. The product data and other information relevant to the assembly or repair process are stored on the microserver and may be accessed by other computing devices, both local and remote to the product. The information is updated on the microserver as it happens. Thus, users are able to track a status of the product in real-time. The microserver enables two-way communication such that the other computing devices may also send information to the microserver.

Abstract: An automatic layout method for performing an automatic layout of components on a diagram, the automatic layout method includes: generating a layout engine control object based on an operation of an application program; selecting at least one layout engine object from a plurality of layout engine objects for calculating coordinates of the components by different algorithms, at least one layout engine object being selected based on an instruction of the application program by the layout engine control object; and creating the diagram by the application program based on the coordinates calculated by the selected layout engine object.

Abstract: A function block for field devices of process automation technology. The function block can be loaded into a component of a field device and is linkable with other function blocks (e.g., PID, AI, AO). The function block includes a web-server which makes information available in a general descriptive language (e.g., HTML).

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method of remotely managing a vessel forming production line, the method comprising communicating from a remote data processing resource a plurality of consumer or event data to a controller, the controller controls a plurality of vessel forming stations having a plurality of shape forming operations and a plurality of non-shape forming operations, configuring each of the plurality of shape forming operations and the plurality of non-shape forming operations based in part on the plurality of consumer or event data to manufacture the shaped vessel, and manufacturing the shaped vessel. Other embodiments include completing a sales transaction resulting in generation of the plurality of consumer or event data, generating the plurality of consumer or event data based in part on the current status of an event, and decorating the shaped vessel based in part on the plurality of consumer or event data.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating job shop scheduling with discrete event simulation for manufacturing facilities are provided. In one aspect a simulator simulates discrete events of a facility using a job schedule generated by a scheduler. The simulator simulates the facility based on one or more local rules, one or more resources, and one or more parameters associated with said locals rules and said resources. The simulator further models said one or more parameters as random variables and using said random variables in its simulation of the facility. The scheduler receives feedback based on output from the simulating step. The feedback includes at least an instruction to the scheduler to include at least one of said one or more resource and to change said one or more parameters based on said modeling of said one or more parameters as random variables. The scheduler uses the feedback for generating an updated schedule.

Abstract: Graphic elements and graphic displays are provided for use in a process environment to display information to one or more users about the process environment, such as the current state of device within a process plant. The graphic elements and display may be associated with various logical and physical elements within the process plant during configuration of the process plant, and may be configured and downloaded to the hardware within the process plant along with other configuration items, such as control routines. In particular, the graphic elements and graphic displays may be created and stored in a library, and may then be configured by being associated with various logical or physical entities within the plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and computer program products for altering video images including superimposing objects onto the images, particularly addressed to identifying fastener insertion locations onto displayed images of a work pieces. The invention is capable of importing an image of a work piece contained in a computer file, displaying the image, and altering the displayed image and/or superimposing objects onto the image to show the location(s), sequence(s) and/or type(s) of fasteners to be inserted onto the displayed work piece according to operator input and instructions. After each insertion is completed, the display is again altered to show the completion. During use, the system is capable of tracking the fastener installations and updating the video display to show the current status of insertions on the work piece.

Abstract: In one aspect a factory automation system for a wafer fab is provided. The factory automation system is adapted to facilitate cross-AMHS transfers of wafer lots within a semiconductor foundry. The factory automation system may include a first MCS and an associated first AMHS; a second MCS and an associated second AMHS; and a third MCS and an associated third AMHS. The system may also include a first bridge connecting the first AMHS and the second AMHS to allow a FOUP to travel between the first AMHS and the second AMHS. The system may also include a second bridge connecting the second AMHS and the third AMHS to allow a FOUP to travel between the second AMHS and the third AMHS. The system also includes a unified control unit in communication with the first, second, and third MCSs, the unified control unit for coordinating transfers of FOUPs between the first, second, and third AMHSs.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing substrate processing data. Substrate process data is acquired while a substrate is processed in a plasma-processing chamber of a cluster tool. The method includes receiving meta-data that identifies at least one of an identification of the substrate and a process. The method further includes receiving from transducers process data streams, each of the process data streams pertaining to a process parameter being monitored. Individual data items in each of the process data streams are being collected in accordance to one of a first methodology and a second methodology. The first methodology represents data collection that is periodic in time. The second methodology represents data collection that happens when predefined events occur. The method also includes storing individual data items associated with process data streams in a single file. The single file stores only data pertaining to a single recipe used to process the substrate.

Abstract: Activities within various environments (e.g., industrial control environment) can be automated through a number of interchangeable modules configured to perform an action or series of actions. Each interchangeable module can be dedicated to a specific function or task (e.g., quality control, performance) and can take into consideration various business aspects. A sequence in which the actions should be performed can be assigned and the appropriate module automatically initiated based on the sequence. A user can manually select a module in order to have a particular function automatically implemented, such as inserting a quality control module into a rack so that functions relating to quality control are automatically implemented. When a different task is desired, the quality control module can be removed and replaced with a different module.

Abstract: A process control device includes a tracking controller receiving event information indicating that a product pass a predetermined location is received; a conductor unit for determining a corresponding process based on the event information; and a work instruction unit for issuing a work instruction for the product in the production line in response to the request from the conductor unit. The device further includes a work instruction past record control unit for controlling past record of the work instructions in response to an issue of the work instruction; a work instruction sequence order control unit for controlling a sequence order of the work instructions; and a work instruction sequence order storage for storing information of the sequence order of the work instructions to control the information of the sequence order of the work instructions in addition to the current location information of the product.

Abstract: A method for reconfiguring a partially manufactured product during a manufacturing process is disclosed. The method can include reading a configuration of the partially manufactured product and reading at least one order for a manufactured product, wherein each order is associated with a target configuration. The method can further include reading a set of rules that match a given configuration with one of a set of target configurations and executing the set of rules upon the configuration of the partially manufactured product so as to match the configuration of the partially manufactured product with one of a target configuration of the at least one order. The method can further include initiating re-configuration of the partially manufactured product to the target configuration with which it was matched. Thus, the partially manufactured product is reused in the manufacturing process to fulfill an order it was not originally created to fulfill.

Abstract: A simulation that integrates historical data and real-time data as a test or simulation tool can capture an entry that relates to a desired output as function points. A determination can intellectually be made as to which activities can achieve the desired output. The activities can be process steps that can represent a workflow that can be automatically implemented by an MES Appliance or other enterprise components. If a simulation reveals that the desired output might not be achieved, a change to one or more function points can be analyzed in an attempt to achieve the desired result. This change can be input into a simulation tool through a feedback loop, for example. Another simulation can performed on the modified data until a determination is made that the desired output can be achieved.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, systems for interaction with a control environment that includes controlled equipment along with control devices that monitor and control that controlled equipment. According to some of those aspects, such a system includes first functionality that generates output representing an operational status of the controlled equipment, as well as second functionality that generates output representing an operational of one or more of the control devices. An engine coordinates the first functionality and to the second functionality to generate an operational status of the control environment. A virtual reality environment generates, as a function of that operational status and one or more physical aspects of the control environment, a three-dimensional (“3D”) display of the control environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reconfigurable computer-controlled system based on the positioning of bolts. A greater density of bolts per unit area increases the variety of figures or shapes that can be defined by a frame or tool used in the industry, such that it is no longer necessary to construct rigid surfaces with each change made to the shape of the product to be produced or surface to be formed. The use of the memory effect material as an actuator in the reconfigurability mechanism is the key to the success of the reconfigurable system and the control system owing to the permissibility of small bolts which can be adapted to standard sizes and shapes. The invention also relates to the application of the mechatronic system which uses the positioning of bolts for the reconfigurability of surfaces in order to manufacture and shape materials.

Abstract: A server having an authority information storage configured to store therein authority information on an operation authority, a determination request information receiver configured to receive determination request information that is transmitted from a client and requests a permission/rejection determination on execution of a desired operation in the server or a client, a permission/rejection determination unit configured to make a permission/rejection determination in response to the determination request information received by the determination request information receiver based on the authority information, and a determination result information transmitter configured to transmit determination result information on a determination result made by the permission/rejection determination unit to the client that transmitted the determination request information.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extensible automation development environment. A full development environment in its own right, the environment, in addition to supporting its own native objects, allows the integration of foreign (or “custom”) automation objects. Custom commands and custom events are also integrated into the environment and are handled by the same framework that handles native commands and events. Tools provided by the environment are made to work with custom objects as well as with native objects. For example, a common editor expands to incorporate a custom editor that handles custom data fields. A common browser expands to seamlessly incorporate a custom browser that may operate on custom automation objects from a custom database. All software entities, native and custom, can be developed and monitored within a single framework. Users operate seamlessly across heterogeneous automation environments, even though custom entities in the environment conform to their own operating standards.

Abstract: A process to control product throughput in a multi-station manufacturing system is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for management of bio-fuel production research and development, comprising (1) mapping process template layers into process segments, wherein each process template layer specifies configuration of a bio-fuel manufacturing process via process segments, and wherein each process segment specifies a stage of the bio-fuel manufacturing process via a grouping of segment modules, (2) recording specified data at each segment module, wherein the specified data includes input data, output data, and environment data, (3) configuring workflow through each process segment according to the segment modules within respective process segments, and wherein the workflow specifies the segment modules that are present and the order of the segment modules, and (4) providing the specified data to a research and development lifecycle management module for determination of results based on tracking and comparison of specified data, and wherein segment modules are modified based on the determined resul

Abstract: An extensible base process control and manufacturing information application development and execution software suite is disclosed that facilitates streamlined third party (e.g., OEM) development of derivative applications for particular vertical markets. The suite includes an object design toolkit that provides object template derivation tools for accessing and editing a set of base object templates. The objects derivable from the base templates include at least application objects deployed upon lower level hosting component objects of a supervisory process control and manufacturing information application. The toolkit also includes development tools for creating new base object templates that are added as extensions of the set of base object templates. In addition to the toolkit, the suite includes a set of marketing package customization tools facilitating seamlessly integrating changes by developers to the extensible base development and execution software suite.