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Factory Integration Software
The CIMstar® machine control software for DataPlace® labeling systems can easily communicate with other networked applications using commonly understood TCP/IP protocols. The core software for DataPlace systems is coded using Visual Basic and Visual C with data being stored in the Microsoft® Access database format.
One example of an integration that has been easily and successfully implemented at various DataPlace user sites allows the user to start their TCP/IP application within the CIMstar application. In this case, Amistar creates an active ‘button’ that is displayed on the DataPlace system's control monitor. The operator starts the LAN interface application with a click of the mouse.
Typically Amistar will write a simple middleware application, or link, that causes the TCP/IP applications to communicate. This work is not technically difficult or complicated and usually requires only a few phone discussions between Amistar's Software Team and the Customer’s MIS Manager to define the parameters. Once the Customer application and the machine's application are connected, the Customer’s TCP/IP application will send the desired data to the CIMstar software. The label print and placement program can then be executed. During program execution, the DataPlace system will dynamically communicate with and use data supplied by the user's software systems. Examples of typical label data sent to a DataPlace system would include:
 The
name of a pre-defined assembly program - The quantity of assemblies to be labeled
- Serialized label information, including starting alphanumeric
and index counts
- Label layout and format information
- Virtually any other data as required by Customer processes
Amistar selected TCP/IP as an interface in preference to a DLL
or Named Pipe convention because TCP/IP is simple to integrate
and the most widely accepted choice for this type of LAN interface.
A primary driver for the selection of the TCP/IP protocol is
the capability that allows the DataPlace system and the Customer’s
TCP/IP interface to reside on a computer that is remotely located
while maintaining the capability to run all CIMstar applications
within the DataPlace system. Use of the TCP/IP protocol also
brings with it the added benefit of conforming to emerging industry
standards being developed by NEMI and the IPC that will dictate
connectivity standards for networked assembly equipment.
While the software integration effort may be unique to each Customer, or even unique to each of the Customer's facilities, it is desirable to avoid directly manipulating the DataPlace system's database or changing its core software. The goal of each integration effort is to utilize the existing functionality of both the Customer's Enterprise System and the DataPlace core software and to connect the two using a simple TCP/IP application. This approach results in an easier, quicker, and less costly integration effort. This simpler, more reliable method of TCP/IP packet exchange allows the machine's CIMstar application to manage its own database operations and updates independant of the Customer's Enterprise System.
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