What is the Manufacturing Message Specification?

The Manufacturing Message Specification is the current world wide standard for messaging system functionality. Essentially, it deals with the process of moving data and control information between networks or between computer applications that are part of a common network. Often referred to as MMS, the development of this international standard is part of what allows diverse computer systems and networks to communicate with one another, and allow for the orderly transfer of information in a real time fashion.

There are three essential sets of standards that comprise the main components of the Manufacturing Message Specification. The three sets are usually referred to as standard objects, standard messages, and encoding rules. Each set of standards addresses particular aspects of the flow of data and communication from one network to another.

The set of standard objects has to do with such key operations as reading, writing, and the execution of event signaling between the point of origin and the point of termination. The main object in the cluster is known as a virtual manufacturing device. Other objects are components that are familiar to many computer users, such as domains, files, and journals. All these secondary objects function with and through the virtual manufacturing device.

Standard messages are the second of the three sets of standards that function within the perimeters of the Manufacturing Message Specification. These standard messages comprise the data that is exchanged between the client and the server stations. Standard messages provide the purpose of monitoring and controlling the standard objects.

The final set of standards are known as the encoding rules. This vital set within the workings of the Manufacturing Message Specification handles the task of mapping the messages that are sent and received to bits and bytes during the process of transmission. This conversion or encoding helps to preserve the integrity of the data during the transfer and also helps to allow the data to be converted back into standard messages upon reception.

As with most computer technology, the specific functionality of the Manufacturing Message Specification has undergone change as computer systems have become increasingly powerful and capable of handling larger amounts of data. However, the underlying sets of standards have continued to provide the foundation for the effective messaging system operation as it related to moving and processing data.