SNA Function Management

The path control network of Systems Network Architecture (SNA) supports communication between pairs of network addressable units called logical units, usually referred to as LU's. When communicating, information flows between LU's over a logical connection called a session. SNA defines three categories of messages which flow on LU-to-LU sessions-- session control, data flow control, and function management data. Thispaper discusses the structui'e and semantics of messages and protocols used by one LU to manage functions performed by a remote LU. The relatio.nship between distribution of function, the nature of the information, the technology, and the architecture of the data stream will be discussed. The data Streams used by SNA printers and 3270 displays will be used as examples. The paper concludes with a discussion of the possible impact of advancing electronic technology on data stream architecture.     

DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INTEGRATED GROUP TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTER AIDED PROCESS PLANNING SYSTEM

This paper discusses a Group Technology (GT) and Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP) installation at JLG Industries, Inc., an international manufacturer and marketer of specialized hydraulic machinery. An efficient architecture for the design, development and implementation of the system is presented along with system design requirements and characteristics. A GT software shell is described, and for the architecture that is defined, a formal model of the process planning system is developed. The model is used as the basis for the creation of a generic semi-generative CAPP system. Implementation of the model along with experience with the system is included. Run time examples of the system are provided to illustrate the features of the system.