Thomas Heimke

Framework-Based Software Architectures for Process Automation Systems

Abstract This paper describes how framework technology helps building flexible software architectures for Process Automation Systems. First we discuss constraints and conditions within industry under which such systems are to be built. Then we introduce the framework concept as one approach to master the challenges of todays busines situation: what are frameworks, what are their underlying software concepts, how are they built, and what benefits do they provide—all illustrated with help of a real-world example, a framework for hot rolling mills. The paper concludes with lessons learned from building frameworks in process automation and outlines future directions in using them.