Research directions in computer networking for manufacturing systems

This paper identifies and discusses pertinent research problems in the design and development of communication networks for Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). The conclusions and recommendations presented here are largely the outcome of the workshop on Computer Networking for Manufacturing Systems. Both basic and applied research in computer networking for integration of all manufacturing-related functions is recommended in three general areas of efficient networking architectures, accommodation of equipment and environmental heterogeneity, and distributed network management and control.