Energy, Power

Open, Modular Architecture Controls at GM Powertrain — Summary

Development
Implementation
A great deal of momentum has been generated toward the implementation of OMAC-based control systems. GMPTG is actively assisting the development of OMAC technologies and aggressively working with the suppliers to commercialize OMAC products.

This document outlines the development and implementation strategies, and they are summarized here:

Development

  • adopt available standards and interface specifications;

  • participate and/or follow existing development activities;

  • leverage government funding and coordinate government projects to accelerate the development of OMAC;

  • utilize government’s influence to define strawman common API;

  • invite third party vendors to finalize and support the common API specifications;

  • interact with international open architecture development activities to advance OMAC technologies;

Implementation

  • expose OMAC direction to control system suppliers;

  • integrate and validate commercial open controller products;

  • resolve machine tool specific OMAC issues;

  • cooperate with machine tool OEMs to implement OMACs;

  • expose ‘open’ technologies to plant personnel;

  • develop partners to support plant implementations.

It should be clear that GMPTG is not taking a wait-and-see attitude in implementing OMAC technologies and is introducing OMAC systems in manufacturing operations with well defined approaches to minimize the risk. Active participation in efforts to accelerate the development of OMAC technologies is important and GMPTG is also defining the strategies to utilize diverse control products effectively. Finally, GMPTG recognizes the importance to overcome non-technical barriers and is addressing various non-technical issues in the implementation of OMAC technologies.