A semiotic framework for manufacturing systems integration –Part I: Generative integration model

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of exploratory research on the potential of semiotics for manufacturing systems integration (MSI). The findings strongly suggest that semiotics might be the basis for a new paradigm for MSI. In the first part of the paper a number of needs for the new semiotic-based integration paradigm are presented. The second part of the paper introduces the basic notions of semiotics and provides a discussion on the use of semiotics in MSI. The third part presents a framework for the semiotics-based MSI, together with a model of the semioticsbased MSI, entitled 'generative integration' (GI). In the final part, some experimental set-ups, i.e. prototype demonstrators of the manufacturing systems, elements and systems, are presented as a platform for future research and development of the semiotics-based MSI.

A Contribution for a Pragmatics-Based Approach to Concurrent Engineering Implementation

“…In other words, the traditional methodologies should be upgraded with the pragmatics perspective Finally, 1. pragmatics might be considered within the CE practice itself, not only within the CE implementation; 2. application of a pragmatics-based approach means, in fact, the implementation of the concept of co-design, co-creation, co-development (see [16] and [17]), which is fully in accordance with the paradigm of communication as an instrument for organization building, especially as co-design, co-creation, co-development are inherent for CE as it is paradigmatically based on teamwork (e.g. see [7]); 3. the experiments presented demonstrate the importance of the emergent manufacturing systems, such as Ubiquitous Manufacturing Systems (UMS) [2] with embedded (human) communication functionalities as a regular instrument permanently available for manufacturing system organization creation, i.e. co-creation.…”

“…As a means of, among other benefits, overcoming the problems of failing project rates, the assumption is that pragmatics could be used as a perspective for analyzing and constructing manufacturing systems [1] and [2], and consequently also applied to CE issues. Pragmatics/semiotics address non-technological aspects of organization.…”

“…Predominantly, as a part of the CE implementation strategy, which also includes CE readiness assessment, modeling and effects of different interpretations of the assessment of processes simultaneity, as pragmatics aspects are studied. This paper follows the theoretical framework of Semioticsbased Manufacturing Systems Integration [1] and [2] and presents its practical implementations, validation and implications in industrial environments.The main research thesis is that the assessment processes (within the CE readiness assessment) are interpretation dependent and, therefore, the application of traditional prescriptive methodologies may lead to failure or serious challenge of the projects. Further, as a second part of the thesis, that the application of a pragmatics-based approach might significantly improve potential for successful implementation of CE is validated.…”

“…Predominantly, as a part of the CE implementation strategy, which also includes CE readiness assessment, modeling and effects of different interpretations of the assessment of processes simultaneity, as pragmatics aspects are studied. This paper follows the theoretical framework of Semioticsbased Manufacturing Systems Integration [1] and [2] and presents its practical implementations, validation and implications in industrial environments.…”

Dashboard Services for Pragmatics-Based Interoperability in Cloud and Ubiquitous Manufacturing

“…To achieve an effective web portal where these cloud processes can be managed and their services coordinated, communicational dimensions need to be integrated, whether (Ferreira, et al, 2012;Putnik & Putnik, 2010) or person-to-system (Tripathi, Gupta, & Bhattacharya, 2006): Any (information) (Ferreira et al, 2012) Dashboards, even not a recent concept on computer systems (they are present on Business tools, on Management Information Systems, on Web Administration, etc. ), continuing to represent a control panel model, are now instances of such web portals.…”