An operation is defined as the unit process that must be executed within a real-time control environment.
Operation planning includes tool selection, machining parameter selection, and tool path generation.
The hierarchical decomposition between operation sequencing and operation planning necessitates an embellished means of communication between the independent planning modules. Operation sequences in conflict with the global process plan are rejected, and the operation planner is prompted to provide an alternative. Feedback concerning operation classes and tools is returned to the planner for inclusion in sequencing concerns. An object oriented approach to program structure is adopted, whereby tools, operation selection heuristics, and feature and operation instances may exist independently of one another. This modular architecture is well suited to a distributed planning scenario whereby numerous machine tools are considered for the manufacture of a given component.