Methods & Tools SIG

Improve integration, and expand utilization of Computer-Aided Process Engineering (CAPE) applications within the enterprise through identification and resolution of existing cross-cutting issues with the CAPE-OPEN platform, develop mechanisms for use of CAPE within other application domains, and incorporate advances in information technology into the CAPE-OPEN platform.

Key responsibilities

• Resolve issues with the common interface specifications.
• Develop and maintain standards and protocols for CAPE-OPEN implementations.
• Incorporate advances in information technology into the CAPE-OPEN protocols.
• Identify novel uses of CAPE and provide standards for utilizing CAPE within these applications.

Leadership

William BARRETT (US Environmental Protection Agency) is the leader of the Methods & Tools Special Interest Group since October 2009 when this Special Interest Group was re-commissioned through a decision taken by CO-LaN Management Board.

When created back in 2006 with an initial charter focusing on Microsoft .NET, the Methods & Tools SIG was led by Bertrand BRAUNSCHWEIG (IFP) and Bill was already a member of it, especially with his thorough knowledge of .NET being put to use. Then, when Bertrand ended his activities for IFP in CO-LaN, Pascal ROUX (IFP) took the helm in June 2007 till March 2008.

Deliverables for 2014 – 2022

• CAPE-OPEN Object Model (COBIA):
  1. Develop design criteria for the CAPE-OPEN Object Model (delivered).
  2. Provide a roadmap for development of the CAPE-OPEN Object Model (delivered).
  3. Develop a prototype implementation of the CAPE-OPEN Object Model for one computational platform so that benefits may be seen and interoperability along with COM demonstrated (delivered).
  4. Deliver and test a beta version of the implementation of the CAPE-OPEN Object Model for one computational platform (October 2018 delivered).
  5. Deliver final implementation of the CAPE-OPEN Object Model for one computational platform (December 2019 targeted).
• Flowsheet monitoring:
  1. Complete adoption of the Flowsheet Monitoring Specification (July 2019 delivered)
• Common Interfaces and Integrated Guidelines:
  1. Continue the review of the common interface specification documents to identify issues exposed through implementation.
  2. Continue the review of Integrated Guidelines to identify issues exposed through implementation.
  3. Include in the updated integrated guidelines document all interim guidance that has been developed to date and provide guidelines for resolving other outstanding issues related to the CAPE-OPEN standards.
  4. Update the integrated guidelines document to specify an Object Model that will allow CAPE-OPEN to be implemented and utilized across multiple platforms including Microsoft Windows, Unix/Linux based systems, and computational clusters
  5. Update common interface specifications to reflect the CAPE-OPEN Object Model.

Delivered

• October 2021: generic marshalling demonstrated between 32-bit and 64-bit COBIA-based applications
• October 2020: COBIA Phase II
• July 2019: Flowsheet Monitoring Interface Specification
• October 2018: prototype of COBIA Phase II for training and trial purposes
• October 2016: COBIA-based applications demonstrating interoperability with COM-based applications
• July 2016: Errata & Clarifications for Persistence Common Interface Specification
• December 2014: Errata & Clarifications for Identification Common Interface Specification
• February 2016: Errata & Clarifications for Parameter Common Interface Specification
• March 2014: Errata & Clarifications for Simulation Context Interface Specification
• March 2014: Errata & Clarifications for Collection Common Interface Specification

Meetings

The Methods & Tools SIG meets three times per month: focus is now primarely on revision the common interface specifications in order to adapt them to the CAPE-OPEN Binary Interop Architecture (COBIA) middleware.

Reports

A report on the Methods & Tools SIG activities is provided at the CAPE-OPEN Annual Meetings:

• Report presented in 2023 at the CAPE-OPEN 2023 Annual Meeting
• Report presented in 2022 at the CAPE-OPEN 2022 Annual Meeting
• Report presented in 2021 at the CAPE-OPEN 2021 Annual Meeting,
• Report presented in 2020 at the CAPE-OPEN 2020 Annual Meeting,
• Report presented in 2019 at the CAPE-OPEN 2019 Annual Meeting,
• Report presented in 2018 at the CAPE-OPEN 2018 Annual Meeting,
• Report presented in 2017 at the CAPE-OPEN 2017 Annual Meeting,
• Report presented in 2016 at the CAPE-OPEN 2016 Annual Meeting.
• Report presented in 2015 at the CAPE-OPEN 2015 Annual Meeting,
• Report presented in 2014 at the CAPE-OPEN 2014 Annual Meeting,
• Report presented in 2007.

A playlist within the CAPE-OPEN Channel on YouTube contains recordings made of presentations giving reports.