Automated job management

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving the implementation of automated job management for equipment in a factory. A software library is provided that allows a job management client, such as a thin station controller client, to communicate with an equipment server, such as an equipment interface bridge (EIB). The job management client can create, control and monitor jobs conveniently and efficiently utilizing industry standard protocols. The equipment server communicates directly in real-time with factory equipment. By providing an interface between a job management client and an equipment server, data consumer clients are effectively decoupled from job management clients, allowing next generation station controllers for monitoring and controlling equipment processing to be easily implemented. Layers of expensive and complex code currently in use for job management can be replaced with a superior and cost-effective thin-client, distributed architecture. Such a system may operate in conjunction with legacy station controllers, or the station controller can be eliminated and replaced by multiple modules that distribute the many types of functions typically incorporated into conventional station controllers.