Ugh, S88 (**shudder**).
I have seen machine projects made with essentially S88, and it is not good. Maybe good for batch processes.
In the sample project on github there is a file "fds_example.docx" with a listing of steps and transitions. There is only one "next" step. It looks to me as a kind of SFC.
I would prefer a genuine state machine rather than SFC.
So, am I wrong that this essentially is an automated tool to generate SFC code based on descriptions in Word or Excel files ?
If so, I guess it is an OK tool, but hardly disruptive.
Yes good remark about the state machine!
So S88 is basically state machine theory applied to a process plant, and it was designed mainly for batch process.
My example is not limited to having one possible succeeding state: see step 970 where it can transfer to two different states, albeit indeed only one at the same time. Which is also a true state machine.
I had the discussion with two very experienced machine programmers.
They both programmed mostly state-based. One important requirement for them was to have the ability to go from one state to two other states that run at the same time. Which would not be a big change. Just make the target step a list of steps instead of one number.
Is this what you mean?
About the 'Disruptive': that's about our industry being up for a change. A technology or solution is only disruptive if it ends up changing the market.