1. Users Drive Machine Tool Collaboration
BY DICK SLANSKY DECEMBER 20, 2001 ARC INSIGHTS 2001-056MD
Keywords
OMAC, OSACA, JOP, STEP-NC, Common CNC HMI API, AP 238
Summary
Manufacturing end users have established standard HMIs for their CNCs
and motion applications. Based on the Open Modular Architecture
(OMAC) Users Group’s Common CNC HMI and XML, these common op-
erator interfaces will provide cost savings by dramatically reducing
operator training, lower IT integration costs, and pro-
Machine tool, CNC, and motion vide a common look and feel across a manufacturer’s
software suppliers are stepping up often disparate collection of machine tool assets. User
to get involved with the users in
driven standards, like common HMI, coupled with the
joint projects that promote common
STEP-NC data input standard specification for CNCs,
specifications and standards for
machine tool collaborative methods
fosters an environment of collaboration between dis-
and technologies. tributed machine tools, manufacturing execution
systems, and even remote supplier support.
Analysis
Manufacturers are teaming with machine tools suppliers, software provid-
ers, and user groups like OMAC. Through the OMAC Users Group three
classes of members: End Users, Technology Providers, Integrators, and
OEMs are collaborating in individual working groups. Presently, there are
active OMAC working groups focused on a common HMI for CNCs and a
STEP-NC XML schema. Boeing, General Dynamics Land Systems, Lock-
heed-Martin, Pratt & Whitney, Ford, and Daimler-Chrysler are
investigating the benefits of incorporating STEP-NC into machining and
manufacturing processes and how to establish the adoption of this stan-
dard. Moreover, machine tool, CNC, and motion software suppliers are
stepping up to get involved with the users in joint projects that promote
common specifications and standards for machine tool collaborative meth-
ods and technologies. Okuma, Mazak, Hurco, GE Fanuc, Siemens, and
Roy-G-Biv have been particularly active in these projects.
ENTERPRISE & AUTOMATION STRATEGIES FOR INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES

2. ARC Insights, Page 2
The Open System Architecture for Controls within Automation Systems
(OSACA), and the Japan Open Systems Promotion Group (JOP) are the
European and Japanese counterparts to the North American based OMAC
Users Group. These three Open Systems oriented user groups collaborate
on specific projects such as the Common CNC HMI
User Group Specification
API. Both OSACA and JOP have submitted pro-
OMAC Common HMI Schema posed HMI API XML schemas. OMAC’s ultimate
OSACA Common HMI API goal is to integrate all three HMI APIs within the
JOP PAPI 1.01J
context of a STEP-NC-based XML schema that
would constitute a worldwide standard. Most of the
International User Groups
work involves establishing common data type de-
scriptions, many of which have already been defined by industry groups
such as W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) and STEP (Standard for
Product Data Exchange). One of the first actions was to complete a conver-
sion of the OMAC HMI schema to a XML Data Template Document (DTD).
User Community Will Drive Suppliers to Meet Their Needs
It is incumbent upon the manufacturing user community across all industry
verticals to join forces, pool resources, and leverage user groups. OMAC,
OSACA, and JOP User Groups are capable of driving the adoption of
emerging technologies, standards, and specifications. Concurrently, they
are able to elicit suppliers to offer equipment that is compliant with tech-
nologies and standards user groups put forward. Machine tool, CNC, and
CAD/CAM suppliers need a compelling business case before resources are
allocated to develop and launch products compliant with user driven stan-
dards.
Once a user group with common interests and issues creates the momen-
tum needed to establish an emerging technology or standard such as a
Common HMI or STEP-NC, the suppliers will be compelled to respond.
The user community championing the development and adoption of the
STEP-NC specification impacts four major supplier sectors:
• Machine Tool OEMs need to provide machine tools that interface with
STEP-NC compliant controllers.
• CNC suppliers must provide a controller that recognizes to the STEP-NC
AP 238 feature set with corresponding axis motion for the machine tool.
• CAD/CAM providers must offer systems that generate STEP-NC AP-
238 defined geometry for cutter center path generation.
© 2001 • ARC • 3 Allied Drive • Dedham, MA 02026 USA • 781-471-1000 • ARCweb.com

3. ARC Insights, Page 3
• Third party software suppliers must provide motion middleware ab-
straction interfaces for a wide assortment of CNCs and machine tools.
Manufacturers and Suppliers Solve Machining Problems
Recently Boeing’s Manufacturing Research & Development organization
has collaborated with machine tool supplier Okuma and motion middle-
ware provider Roy-G-Biv to implement the OMAC Common HMI API on a
working machine tool. The project consisted of an Okuma NCV4020 3-axis
vertical mill with an OSP P-100M CNC, and Roy-G-Biv’s XMC motion mid-
dleware providing the interface between the machine tool and the OMAC
HMI API. The implementation of the OMAC Common HMI is based on a
modular architecture built with ActiveX controls and distributed using
XML on a browser-based client.
Boeing’s development of a prototype common CNC HMI is based on input
from machine tool operators in the company. The decision to continue de-
velopment of the Common HMI under the auspices of an OMAC working
group provides a standard available to all manufacturing users participat-
ing in OMAC. Users will collectively influence and drive the Machine tool
and CNC suppliers to adopt and implement common standards and speci-
fications that directly benefit all users by leaning out significant portions of
the manufacturing processes. Ultimately, this will be a win-win situation
for suppliers and users, where common specifications reduce the variety
and disparity of applications. The vision is to promote a lean manufactur-
ing environment by adopting and implementing common platforms and
specifications.
Recommendations
• Manufacturing users not actively engaged in collaborative efforts with
other users both within and outside of their vertical industries, should
participate in user groups that promote common specifications, stan-
dards, and lean manufacturing methods.
• Suppliers should respond to user generated standards and specifica-
tions, to penetrate into specific vertical markets such as Aerospace and
Automotive, and horizontal markets such as packaging and material
handling.
For further information, contact your account manager or the author at
dslansky@arcweb.com. Recommended circulation: MAS-D clients.
© 2001 • ARC • 3 Allied Drive • Dedham, MA 02026 USA • 781-471-1000 • ARCweb.com