STEP software architectures for the integration of knowledge based system

ATLAS (EP 7280) is a collaborative research project to improve the competitiveness of European Large Scale Engineering companies within the world market. The project focuses on the development of software Architectures and Tools based on non proprietary information exchange standards such as STEP and EDlFACT to improve business integration and co-ordination. The understanding of software integration does not only cover classical engineering applications but also addresses knowledge based systems (i.e. rule based and case based) by means of STEP based AI environments including a LISP binding of the SDAI specification (STEP Part 22). The work undertaken during the course of the project opens the road to the future integration of KB systems within STEP architectures.