An open source SCADA system to implement advanced computer integrated manufacturing

The computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) approach allows the possibility to remotely and optimally control the entire production process in a plant. The implementation of CIM architectures demands the installation of several software platforms, which most of the cases are commercial and have high licensing prices. This research presents the development of an open software architecture for advanced CIM (OSACIM) by using two open software development platforms: Java and Python. The use of open software in the development of this solution allows the creation of a low price CIM approach. The results of using the system in laboratory tests show good results in comparison with commercial softwares for developing OPC communications and SCADA systems, which perform similar functionalities as the proposed OSACIM. The main features and limitations of the system are reported.