System and method for tracing and/or evaluating the exchange of information

Translation of description of equivalent WO 03050676 A2

p0001description

p0002System and method for tracking and / or evaluation of the information exchange

p0003The invention relates to a system and method for tracking and / or evaluation of the information exchange between particular heterogeneous software applications, particularly MES applications, in a coupling the software applications use software system, the software applications and the software system is stored on at least one computer unit.

p0004The invention further relates to a corresponding computer program, a computer program product and a data processing device.

p0005From "Software for automation - transparency of the processes creating" products by Dirk Kozian in electronics for automation 11, 17.11.1999 is known, so-called for the automation of production and manufacturing processes Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) use. These systems integrate the automation level (controls) with the ERP systems (ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning) of the corporate management level. Manufacturing Execution Systems are systems that provide for example information about the optimization of production processes. First, the Manufacturing Execution Systems have to plant-specific and current Feinplanungέ- supplement the rough planning data of the ERP systems data and forward it correspondingly to the subordinate automation level, on the other hand they have the task to take over from the automation level production-relevant information to prepare them and to the corporate management level weiterzumeiden. MES systems thus fulfill the task of vertical integration between the enterprise management level and the automation level. Typical individual tasks of MES systems are Enterprise Asset Management , Maintenance Management, Information Management, Scheduling, Dispatching and Trace & Track. These objects are respectively executed by MES components or MES applications.

p0006Due to the software and data-related heterogeneity of the MES applications, these however very difficult to integrate into a common system or project and the exchange of data between these applications is only with effort possible.

p0007From "Massive re: concepts, techniques and organization", article by Ulrich Lindner in OBJEKTspektrum 1/96, P. 10 - 17, it is known software components by so-called adapters or by wrapping (packaging) in a software system to integrate , The goal is to increase the reusability of software components.

p0008In complex systems, such as MES systems, it is very difficult to monitor the exchange of information between the participating components and verify.

p0009In US 6,083,281 describes a method to track the activities of entities in software system. However, this process relates to the operation of the entities and not in the data exchange between the entities. This process is intended to support software developers in the developmental and testing phase.

p0010Furthermore, the Windows NT operating system from Microsoft an "Event Log" mechanism and an "Event Viewer" known.

p0011Object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for tracking, evaluating and documenting communication of software components, in particular in the MES systems. According to the invention the above object is achieved for a system by the features of claim 1. An essential advantage of the invention lies in the simple and automatic verification of the data exchange. It can be ensured, whether provided information was actually exchanged. That is, it can be verified whether information was actually sent from a transmitter, and have arrived at the receiver. Furthermore occurred transmission errors or bottlenecks can be easily identified and analyzed. From this, improvements to the underlying software system or project derived. Another advantage is that very simple proof obligations to authorities such as FDA may be made (eg generated reports).

p0012A first advantageous embodiment of the present invention for a system lies in the fact that the results of the analysis of information exchange and / or the analysis of the error from the software system are processed directly. The results of the analysis and the conclusions drawn

p0013(Eg optimization) can be considered directly in the software system (eg changing the configuration of components, dimensioning or configuration of communication links). This creates a "quasi of closed self-regulating" control loop.

p0014A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention for a system lies in the fact that certain information and / or errors are selectable by a Filter form. A user can therefore easily access specific information. Possible filters include sender, recipient, time, IDs of messages. The filters can eg via input masks and input aids (keyboard, mouse, etc.) are defined. Thereby, a user has the possibility of a scaled and dedicated information gathering. A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention for a system lies in the fact that the follow-up and / or evaluation is carried out at the project level or at the adapter level or at the level of an information channel. This is a scaled information gathering and analysis on different levels of abstraction (project level, adapter level, port level) is possible.

p0015A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention for a system is that are used as coupling mechanisms adapters and / or wrappers. Adapter and wrapper are in information technology known mechanisms to integrate software components in a system. A wrapper maps the API (Application Programming Interface mable) a third-party component (eg a MES

p0016Application from a third-party) in the object model of the framework program. Thus, for example of a method of the foreign component API a method of the framework program or an integer data type of the foreign component API is an integer data type of the framework program, and so creating a wrapper for COM objects (Component Object Model) for a component to be integrated automated. A wrapper corresponds to a bridge. Wrappers can be implemented very quickly.

p0017Adapters are one abstraction higher than wrappers. They provide a unified view of coupled applications. An adapter offers functionality to start to be coupled component to operate, etc. An adapter corresponds to the language of design patterns to a "facade".

p0018A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention for a system is that the first and second means are realized by a device or the first, second and fourth means are implemented by a device or the first and fourth means are implemented by a device or second and fourth Means are realized by a device. This is a compact and resource-minimizing (eg space saving) construction permits.

p0019A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention for a system is that the third means is integrated into one of the other facilities. This also is a compact and resource-minimizing (eg space saving) construction permits. Furthermore, can thereby nen access times to database content to be optimized.

p0020According to the invention the above object is solved for a method by the features of claim 8. A substantial advantage of the invention lies in the simple and automatic verification of data exchange. It can be ascertained whether the intended information has been actually exchanged. That is, it can be verified whether information were actually sent from a transmitter to, or have arrived at the receiver. Furthermore occurred transmission errors or bottlenecks can be easily identified and analyzed. From this, improvements to the underlying software system or project derived. Another advantage is that very simple proof obligations to authorities such as FDA may be made (eg generated reports).

p0021A first advantageous embodiment of the present invention for a method is that the results of analysis of information exchange and / or the analysis of the error from the software system be further processed directly. The results of the analysis and the conclusions drawn from them (eg optimization) can be considered directly in the software system (eg changing the configuration of components, dimensioning or configuration of communication links). This creates a "quasi closed self-regulating" control loop. A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention for a method is that are selected by a filter forming certain information and / or error. A user can therefore easily access specific infor- mation. Possible filters include sender, recipient, time, IDs of messages. The filters can eg via input masks and input aids (keyboard, mouse, etc.) are defined. Thus, a user has the option of a scaled and dedicated need for information creation.

p0022A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention for a method is that the prosecution and / or evaluation is carried out at the project level or at the adapter level or at the level of an information channel. This is a scaled information gathering and analysis on different levels of abstraction (project level, adapter level, port level) is possible.

p0023A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention for a method is that are used as coupling mechanisms adapters and / or wrappers. Adapter and wrapper are in information technology known mechanisms to integrate software components in a system. A wrapper maps the API (Application Programming Interface mable) an external component from (eg a MES application from a third party) in the object model of the framework program. Thus, for example of a method of the foreign component API a method of the framework program or an integer data type of the foreign component API is an integer data type of the framework program, and so creating a wrapper for COM objects (Component Object Model) for a component to be integrated automated. A wrapper corresponds to a bridge. Wrappers can be implemented very quickly. Adapters are one abstraction higher than wrappers. They provide a unified view of coupled applications. An adapter offers functionality to start to be coupled component to operate, etc. An adapter corresponds to the language of design patterns to a "facade".

p0024A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention for a method is that the first and second means can be realized by a device or the first, second and fourth means are realized by a device or the first and fourth means are realized by a device or second and fourth means are realized by a device. This is a compact and resource-minimizing (eg space saving) construction permits.

p0025A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention for a method lies in the fact that the third means is integrated into one of the other facilities. is also providing a compact and resource-minimized

p0026(Eg save space) allows construction. Furthermore, this access times can be optimized for database contents.

p0027A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention is that the inventive method is implemented by a computer program. This allows any modifications or adjustments can be easily performed.

p0028A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention is that the computer program for the inventive method is stored on disk. This makes the process with respect to the logistics and distribution is ment easily manageable. A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention lies in the fact that the computer program is installed for the inventive method on a data processing device. This increases performance.

p0029Further advantages and details of the invention will be apparent from the following description of advantageous exemplary embodiments and in conjunction with the figures. As far as activities are described elements with the same functionality in different figures, these are identified by the same reference numerals.

p0030Show it:

p00311 shows in an overview of the "enterprise pyramid" with three control levels,

p00322 shows an exemplary overview with software and

p0033Hardware units for MES solutions,

p00343 shows the central position of the coupling the software applications Framework Programme,

p00354 shows the basic structure of an adapter,

p00365 shows several interconnected adapter,

p00376 shows a functional schematic diagram of the invention,

p00387 shows a diagram instance to your project,

p0039FIG 8 is a sequence chart: initialization,

p00409 shows a Sequenze chart: operation,

p0041FIG 10 is a sequence chart: evaluation mode, FIG 11 is a "component" as a meta-object model in UML notation,

p0042FIG 12 is a communication relationship between MES applications and

p0043FIG 13 the object structure of a Connection in UML.

p0044The diagram of FIG 1 shows an overview display, the three levels of control, as they are commonly found in a producing or manufacturing enterprise. The pyramid shape is meant that upward takes place a compression of information. The top level is the ERP level (enterprise resource plan ning. This corporate management level The business administration and sales tasks in an enterprise carried out (eg finance, sales, human resources, reporting). But also productive onsanlagenübergreifende logistical tasks (eg contract - and materials management) are carried out at this level, the SAP R / 3 system is an ERP system that is widely used on the corporate management level..

p0045The lowest level of the pyramid is the automation level (controls). At this level usually come programmable logic controllers (PLC) together with visualization alisierungs- and process control systems (DCS) are used. The drives, actuators and sensors of the production and / or manufacturing facilities are directly connected to the systems of this level.

p0046The link between the ERP level and the automation level is formed by the MES level. The applications of the MES level thus ensure vertical integration between the ERP level and the automation level. The MES applications have one hand the rough planning of the ERP systems with production plant-specific fine planning complement and forward them to the systems of the automation level, on the other hand it is the task of the MES applications to take production-relevant data of the automation level, process it and forward it to the ERP level (corporate level).

p0047Typical MES applications include Quality Management (QM), Maintenance Management (MM), Performance Analysis (PA), Process Management, Labor Management, Asset Management. Three dots in each is expressed in FIG 1, that may be located further elements (applications, systems, etc.) on one level.

p0048MES systems or ERP systems generally comprise a so-called runtime system for time-control of the components involved (subcomponents, modules, tasks, operating system processes, etc.), as well as a so-called engineering system for creating and editing programs which the embodiments are provided in the runtime system.

p0049The diagram of FIG 2 shows an exemplary overview with software and hardware units for MES solutions. The individual MES applications Al to A3 are connected via adapters AD1 to AD3 to a framework program (Framework) IF. Via a bidirectional information path II, a user working PIW1 with the framework program IF is coupled and can therefore manage the appended or integrated MES applications and monitor. The user work PIW1 usually consists of a display device (monitor, display, etc.), a data processing system (eg PC) with processor and memory devices and input devices (keyboard, mouse, etc.). The MES applications Al to A3 and the framework program IF can run on their own data processing units or processors, but it is also possible for them to run on the data processing unit of PIW1. About adapters AD1 to AD3 the respective MES applications Al to A3 are connected to the framework program IF. The adapters are thus the coupling modules between the framework program IF and the applications. heterogeneous applications can via the adapter thus per se are interconnected, and through integration with the framework program IF it is possible to communicate between applications and operating data exchange. The adapters are software modules that connect to different applications or applications. In typical integration scenarios this means integration into systems from the MES, ERP, SCADA or controls worlds An adapter offers functionality to start a component to be coupled to operate, etc. An adapter allows access to data and functions the application to be coupled or application, makes certain runtime data available and allows the loading of engineering information from the application to be coupled or application. Adapters can differ in structure and scope. So can be permanently programmed or can be configured or modeled adapter eg. Also regarding the possibilities of access to the application to be coupled may differ, for example adapters may allow only one data-related access, but it is also possible for adapters to grant access to higher-value business processes. At startup, the adapters are loaded with the stored models and status information. At runtime, it is then checked whether and how the different integrated applications or applications fit together. reNCy via a visualization or monitoring component, it is possible to check the status of an adapter and display on the user workstation PIW1 (graphically). Through adapter, the system and the user receives a standardized and uniform view of applications (depending on which abstraction level at the adapters is available). Another option for integrating software components is to use wrappers. A wrapper maps the API (Application Program Interface) of a foreign component (eg an MES application) in the object model of the framework mes from. Thus, for example of a method of the foreign component API a method of the framework program or an integer data type of the foreign component API is an integer data type of the framework program.

p0050In addition to MES applications, applications from the corporate management level (Enterprise Resource Planning level) and / from the automation level (controls level) can be integrated via the framework program IF and the workplace PIW1 (the acronym PIW stands for Personalized Industrial Workplace) or monitored . to get managed. The framework program IF thus forms an integration platform for the entire industrial sector. Different applications from the enterprise management level, the MES level and the automation level can be integrated pern by the framework program IF simply and economically with the aid of adapters and / or wrappers. The framework program IF can thus be regarded as a middleware platform and as a Manufacturing application integration tool. About the work PIW1, a user (eg, the plant operator) see the respective states of the monitored applications, and it can also

p0051and access data on methods of applications, and further it can through this access applications put together in conjunction.

p0052The framework program IF thereby, on the one hand to achieve a vertical integration of applications from different enterprise levels and secondly the framework program IF enables a horizontal integration of applications of the MES level.

p0053The workplace PIWl exhibits for a user on the front page of MES applications or other applications the company a "One Window to the World". That is, the work allows, by a common uniform interface integrating access to different, heterogeneous applications in the enterprise. The user of the workplace PIWl can thus monitor from this one workstation all integrated MES or other applications and manage. This workstation can be connected to the applications via the Internet, intranet, LAN (Local Area Network) or other possible connections. It is also possible, this workstation as a mobile station, such as a mobile device (PDA, mobile phone). Such mobility for a user other advantages.

p0054The diagram of FIG 3 shows the central position of the software applications framework program coupling. To realize the system or method of the invention, it is advisable to choose a client-server architecture. The framework program (IF; FIG 2) can ver on a single server or on multiple arbitrary servers which contained a

p0055can distribute IT environment, be realized. In FIG 3 is shown that the framework program (IF; FIG 2) on a server IFS (Industrial Framework Server). At this central server IFS through the bidirectional information paths 12-18 connected clients. To the

p0056Clients include firstly the applications from the ERP, the MES and the automation level. In FIG 3, these applications are shown at the bottom. The adapters AD4 - AD6 These applications are connected to the framework program (IF; FIG 2) and thus to the server IFS. The adapters AD4 - AD6 with the applications via API interfaces API1 - API3 (API stands for Application Programmable Interface). An Application Programmable Interface provides an interface with a lot of commands are. APIs are also used in the implementation of parameter lists from one format to another format and in the interpretation of the arguments in one or both directions gen. The APIs are sort of the glue between the applications and the adapters. The connection between the adapters AD4 - AD6 and the framework program (IF; FIG 2) (in FIG represented 3 through the bidirectional information paths 13-15) is done via appropriate data formats (eg XML), appropriate protocols (XOP, OPC, etc.) and suitable transport mechanisms (eg DCOM or MSMQ). Also HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) can be used herein. Also, the XML-based eXtensible Markup Language) protocol SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) can be used for integration of the adapter AD4 - AD6 to the framework program (IF; be used FIG 2) and the associated server IFS. Clients or applications that support ActiveX documents or calls can be particularly advantageous in the framework program (IF; FIG 2), or integrate the server IFS. The connection of the

p0057Applications at the supporting program can Alongside adapters by wrappers or other integration mechanisms.

p0058Another client may be connected to the server IFS repository IFR (Industrial Framework Repository). In

p0059FIG 3 is represented by the bi-directional information path 12 the connection. The repository IFR is used to keep data secure and persistent. About method calls can be accessed these data. In repository objects, methods and runtime data include stored.

p0060On the top half of more clients of the server IFS are shown. The Personalized Industrial Workplace PIW2 and the existing engineering environment EU are clients of the server IFS. The Personalized Industrial Workplace PIW2 is through the bidirectional information path 16 to the framework program (IF; FIG 2) associated respectively with the server, the engineering environment EU correspondingly 17 by the bidirectional information path is through the three points illustrated that more clients on Server IFS can hang. In FIG 3, it is indicated that also depends a further client C, connected by the information path 18, the server IFS. The connection of the clients IFR, PIW2, EU and C takes place accordingly via APIs or via standard data formats (eg XML), standard protocols (XOP, OPC, etc.) and integrated transport mechanisms (eg DCOM, HTTP or MSMQ).

p0061The adapters AD4 - AD6 provide access to data and also to methods of individual applications, providing them with the framework program (IF; FIG 2) connect. These adapters are very flexible and not set to individual special protocols or special transport mechanisms. If the adapters are used in a runtime environment, then they are configured so that it is ensured that certain necessary data from an application at the right time in the server environment are present. This can, as already mentioned occur via different protocols and transport mechanisms. In a runtime environment to multiple adapters, the small server properties (such as the execution of workflows, the provision of various communication options, ...) may be able to sit described, are. These adapters can run on each application server. but you have to not only run on a machine, they can also be distributed.

p0062Software applications, particularly MES applications (Manufacturing Execution Systems), are often present in a heterogeneous form, for example they may have different data formats or object models or be implemented in different programming languages. The system and method of the invention enables such heterogeneous appliqué to integrate by means of a framework program. The communication between these applications is done on the basis of communication means such as HTTP, DCOM, MSMQ, etc. The communication, ie the exchange of data between applications is independent of these stuffs of communica-, ie the applications can abstract from the application means. The illustration in FIG 4 shows the basic structure of an adapter. Each adapter is a special component (the "component" as a meta-object model is shown in FIG 11 explained in more detail) with the special property that the component of an adapter runs each in its own process. Each adapter already brings a certain default structure with which a tree structure of objects of the framework program, ie components and variables, is shown, and the specific locations provides, where the adapter can deliver specific information to the outside. Again Examples include status information about the state of the adapter (the adapter is connected to its application, the application is running, version information, etc.). Furthermore, an adapter information on the external system, ie the external application you wish, to the outside. The "Object Space", an adapter can deliver structures to the outside, can be accessed by other adapters or other applications. An adapter can also information relating to a communication infrastructure may be outwardly. Under communication infrastructure refers to objects, to send messages, receive, to transform messages. But mechanisms for performing routing and mechanisms to monitor the data exchange of the adapter. Furthermore, the communication infrastructure of an adapter includes so-called domestic ports and outports who physically receive or send messages. An adapter is available as a separate process of the operating system, ie, when an adapter crashes, then this has no effect on other adapters. An adapter is therefore a dedicated enclosed application that is executed on its own

p0063Adapters and wrappers are mechanisms for the integration of software components into a software system. A wrapper maps the API (Application Program Interface) of a component or Fremdkom- an application to be integrated into the object model of the software system, here framework program (IF; FIG 2). Thus, for example to domestic from a method of the API of tegrierenden application a method of the framework program or an integer data type of the API of the application to be integrated is an integer data type of the framework program, etc. A wrapper thus brings the API of the application to be integrated into the language, in the nomenclature and in the object world the framework Programme.

p0064An adapter on the other hand is a level of abstraction higher than a wrapper. Adapters provide a standardized view of applications to be integrated are, and the Framework Programme, in which the application to be integrated is hooked can abstract from this application. An adapter provides functionality to, that the application to be integrated, to start the system to be integrated, to operate and to act. Using the adapter, for example can use a SAP application without being a SAP expert a user. By IDOC adapter SAP applications are mapped to the object model of the framework program and then as objects of the framework program (component IDOC) are used.

p0065The system and method of the invention, two applications (eg MES applications) can be peer-to-peer basis brought together, without such a connection must be each peer-to-peer basis programmed. These compounds are inventively configured by establishing a connection (see FIG 13).

p0066Tracebox (TB; FIG 6) and error box (EB; FIG 6) as mechanisms for collecting information relating to the adapters can already in the adapter Defaultstrukur be present.

p0067The diagram of FIG 5 shows a plurality of interconnected adapter AD7 to AD10. The adapters are marked as rectangles, the interconnection is by connecting lines is shown. By adapters are software applications, eg MES applications, integrated with each other. Now, if no koppelndes software system (for example, a framework) is present, in the each adapter is integrated, then the complexity and expense of integrating both adapters under increases sharply.

p0068The diagram of FIG 6 shows a functional schematic diagram of the invention. The software applications A4 to A6 are connected through the adapter to ADll AD13 respectively with the coupling software system SS or integrated into the software system SS. The subject invention enables the tracking and evaluation of communication in the software system SS and integrated into the software system applications A4 to A6 at different levels.

p0069Firstly, the tracking and evaluation of Komuni- done cation at the port level. The logical connection point between an adapter and a connection (see Figures 12 and Fig.13) is called a port. A port is the place to go in at the information or messages in an adapter or leave an adapter.

p0070The second stage of monitoring and evaluating the communication occurs at the adapter level. At one adapter and multiple ports Connections can hang.

p0071The third stage of monitoring and evaluating the communication occurs throughout the project. One project, for example, an MES project includes several applications or MES applications. In pursuit and evaluation of communications at the project level, the entire message exchange of all applications involved in the project is detected.

p0072At each level, there are trace boxes TB and Error Boxes EB. A Tracebox TB is used for collecting continuous messages, one error box EB is used for collecting of messages that could not be delivered or errors occurred during the transmission. About the information paths 19 and 110, get these messages in the Tracebox TP or the error box EB. About the information paths 111 and 112, the data collected by the Tracebox TP or the error box EB messages in the repository DB are stored. A user can access the stored in the repository DB information dedicated by defining filter conditions. Possible filter conditions are, for example, a user only wants to see the messages from specific senders or certain recipients. But it is also possible to be represented only the messages of a given period. This applies to messages from the Tracebox TP and from the error box EB.

p0073However, the data from the repository DB can also be used for evaluation and diagnostic purposes. In FIG 6 it is shown that an evaluation device AE onspfad on the infor- 113 is supplied with data. About this evaluation AE analyzes, statistics, consolidations of data, but also reports can now be created. Such reports are particularly helpful in detecting duties to the services or authorities so that can be demonstrated then that only certain information flowed and for any misconduct of the system or facility a personal negligence is excluded proven. This is in particular in the pharmaceutical field of interest. ( "FDA-proof lists"). But can About the evaluations also as bottlenecks are identified and specific optimizations were taken. These findings may by the evaluation AE flow directly into the software system SS again. In FIG 6, this is represented by the information path 114th order the inventive system and method can be broadly viewed as a field-regulating loop.

p0074The diagram of FIG 7 shows an instance diagram to a project, eg a MES project. The pursuit and evaluation of communication applications, particularly MES applications, can be carried out at the project level, at the adapter level or port level. Therefore, there is in each case a project-wide trace and error box, for each adapter there is one adapter wide trace and error box and for each port there are also each have a port-wide trace and error box. The Trace boxes are used to collect the passing messages, error boxes are used to collect messages that could not be delivered or errors occurred during the transmission. To create a project, several applications can be used. Each application is usually integrated via an adapter in the domestic project. Each adapter has its own adapter wide Tracebox or your own adapter wide error box. Also, each port has its own port-wide Tracebox or own port-wide error box. Task of a port is to act as an interceptor. A port is part of an underlying communications system and not part of an adapter or the adapted application.

p0075A port can several connections (see FIG 12 and FIG 13) have an adapter and can have multiple ports. A port is the place where the pure-logical or go out the data on the Connection in an adapter.

p0076Ports, eg by adding variables that provide them with information or values, in FIG 7, the drawn port depends on the variable production order. This variable production order is part of the adapter 1. The Trace boxes and error boxes for adapters may already be present in the default structure of an adapter.

p0077In Figure 7 is represented by the hatching of the vertical lines at its end that projects an adapter or a port may contain other objects or elements other than the drawn objects.

p0078The illustration in FIG 8 shows a sequence chart for the initialization of said Track and evaluation mode. The diagram of FIG 9 shows a sequence chart for the operation of the Track mode.

p0079The diagram of FIG 10 shows a sequence chart for the operation of the evaluation mode.

p0080The diagram of FIG 11 shows the object structure of a "component" as a meta-object model of the framework program (IF; FIG 2) in UML (Unified Modelling Language). ready; When the inventive system and method for integrating the soft- be reappliaktionen and the underlying means of communication (eg, HTTP, MSMQ, etc.) on an object model of the framework program (FIG 2 IF). This possess a common object model to be heterogeneous applications. As a result, all methods, data structures, objects, and so the different integration third-party applications are represented in a common object model. This object model is very generic and represents a meta. The core of this object model consists of an object type named "component". A component can in turn aggregate other components and / or contain specific types of components, so-called variables, which are assigned in operation certain values. Components and variables can also possess additional attributes respectively.

p0081This object model is the basis of the adaptation of MES applications or other applications. This means that the structures of the applications are translated or mapped into structures of this object model. All to integrate the applications to be within the Framework Programme

p0082(IF, FIG 2) represented in the representation of this object model. the underlying means of communication are also mapped to this generic object model. In framework program (IF; FIG 2) All applications and all underlying means of communication are now represented in a consistent and homogeneous object model. As a result, very simple and easy communication relationships are established between the applications.

p0083In the illustration shown in FIG 11 is the generic component "component", which represents the core of the object model, is presented in UML notation.

p0084The square boxes represent parts of the object model. Through a lozenge link aggregation is (is part of relationship) shown by a triangle is the inheritance (a relationship) shown. In the illustration shown in FIG 11 is thus shown that a component can consist of several components and, furthermore, a component to be part of another component. By lozenge link a Component with attributes and variables connected. That is, a component may include attributes and variables. Attributes are descriptive data. All objects of a class have the same attributes, but generally different attribute values. An attribute value is assigned to an attribute value from its value range. A variable can assume values ​​of certain data types (eg integer, real, etc.). As shown by the diamond relationship, a component can contain multiple variables. but a component can also be a superclass one ner variable, as indicated by the triangle. That is, a variable can be a derived component. The lozenge and triangle links can also incorporate cardinalities.

p0085By mapping mechanisms such as adapters or wrappers are to be integrated software applications and the underlying means of communication to this generic object structure, ie "component" structure, the framework program (IF; FIG 2) ready.

p0086In the illustration shown in FIG 12 is represented as a communication link between MES application set becomes. As explained above, the applications and the underlying communication mechanisms on a uniform "Componenf structure (meta object model of the framework program) will be displayed.

p0087In FIG 12 shows how a communication link between the MES applications MES ^Λ and MES ^{Λ Λ} is established. About adapter or via wrappers These MES applications MES 'and MES' 'on the' Componenf structure of the framework program (IF; FIG 2) ready. The underlying means of communication (HTTP, MSMQ, DCOM, etc.) are mapped via adapters or wrappers on the generic object model of a "Componenf structure the framework program (IF; FIG 2). This means of communication are then by the Component transport system ( TS) represents. This component transport system (TS) abstracted from the underlying means of communication. When setting up a communication link, it is thus no matter what means of communication is ultimately the underlying physical. the communications are medium therefore essentially interchangeable.

p0088The communication link between the MES applications MES 'and MES ^{Λ Λ} is produced by a so-called "Connection" (s. FIG 13). A connection connects any two objects of the object model. Since the connection refers to objects of the generic object model, she knows their semantics and knows what special features are making the connection, ie method objects are different to handle than as pure data objects. Furthermore, the connection is supported by a transport system. Also, the transport system is as part of the generic object model of the framework program (IF; FIG 2) before. A connection can be unidirectional or bidirectional.

p0089The diagram of FIG 13 shows the structure of an object

p0090"Connection" in UML notation. A Connection is a generic object that has two parts mainly. On the one hand from the wrappers of the specific means of communication and the other part of a collection of properties, ie characteristics that can be set via this means of communication. These properties and the connection itself are in turn "Components" of the object model, with the properties being given simply by a list of variables. A transport wrapper in turn also contains properties, ie characteristics. In the case of using MSMQ as a means of communication such as the name of the Message Queue used is such a property. By cardinality (1: 2) indicated that the Connection of FIG 13 at least one but not more than two transport wrapper includes. The other aggregation links (lozenge symbol), as illustrated in FIG 13 may hold Cardinalities leg. A transport wrapper can also include methods. For example, a method for opening a specific transport channel, a method for closing a specific transport channel, a method to send a string, a method for receiving a string, etc.

p0091Means of communication are usually mapped by Wrappers to the object model of the framework program, but in principle it is also possible to integrate means of communication through adapter framework program.

p0092In summary, the invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and evaluating the communication of software applications, particularly MES applications in an overall system. It is a scaled or gradual persecution and evaluation enables: project level, adapter level and port level, ie individual communication links, individual applications, but also the whole project is recorded over (heterogeneous) application landscapes. The detection and evaluation mechanisms sungs- allow higher quality services online anytime access to the archived trace and error data. An example of such a service would be to generate a report, of the pharmaceutical sector Materials used prove that were sent within manufacturing orders. The online access can be made data connections (eg via a Local Area Network) or Internet-like agents.

p0093The above described system and method according can be implemented as a computer program in languages ​​known for. A computer program implemented can be also in a known manner via electronic Datenwe- ge, but also on data carriers (computer software) stored and transported.