Batch Function Interface Type Libraries

The Batch Function Interface (BFI) Type Libraries provide an interface specification to the procedures and data available from Batch Manager when using the COM BFI.

To completely understand the COM-based batch function interface type libraries, you must understand how Batch Manager runs. The batch function interface enables you to extend the functionality of Batch Manager by creating custom logic and having Batch Manager exercise this custom logic as it performs equipment allocation and batch execution. This custom logic can be included with certain strategic batch points of processing or hooks and is run by Batch Manager.

You use the batch function interface is through the type libraries described in this chapter and a COM-based programming environment such as Visual Basic.NET, C++ and C#.

Important: The COM-based batch function interface enables you to interact directly with the running of Batch Manager. Any errors or problems created using this interfaces can potentially hinder or halt the execution of Batch Manager. It is strongly recommended that you completely test any logic created using this interface approach and that all logic is created by appropriately trained personnel.

The following hooks are available using the COM-based batch function interface.

• Batch Initialization

• Batch Prepare

• Batch Complete

• Unit Procedure Prepare

• Unit Procedure Complete

• Operation Prepare

• Operation Complete

• Phase Prepare

• Phase Complete

• Evaluate Units for Allocation

• Evaluate Connections for Allocation

• Equipment Allocation Changes

• Logging Equipment Status Changes