batchmål

Batchmål is a term used in some Scandinavian industrial and computing contexts to describe a language or set of conventions for specifying batch processes. The word blends batch, the English term for processing work in groups, with mål, the Scandinavian word for language. It refers to approaches that define the sequence of operations, material inputs and outputs, and quality checks for a single production run or a defined batch of data.

In manufacturing and process control, batchmål encompasses domain-specific languages or scripting dialects embedded in manufacturing execution systems (MES) or control platforms. A batch program typically specifies recipes, equipment, temperatures, timings, material constraints, operator actions, and validation rules. It aims to enable traceability, repeatability, and compliance with quality standards by recording batch genealogy and parameters throughout the workflow.

In computing contexts, batchmål may denote dialects used to automate a batch of tasks—similar in purpose to Windows batch files or Unix shell scripts. These dialects are usually platform- or vendor-specific and lack a universal standard. Typical features include variables, simple control flow, file I/O, and error handling, allowing routine tasks to run unattended or in predictable sequences.

Examples of batchmål statements are usually descriptive lines that list steps or commands, such as: load material A, mix with B, heat to 120 C, hold 30 minutes, add catalyst, release product to vessel C. The exact syntax depends on the implementation and may be expressed in a textual DSL or as data-driven rules.

Standards and interoperability: There is no single international standard for batchmål. In manufacturing, related frameworks include ISA-95 (IEC 62264) and related ERP/MES data models, which provide concepts for batch scope, lifecycle, and traceability. Interchange between systems is usually achieved through vendor-specific formats or XML/JSON schemas, leading to limited cross-platform portability. See also: Batch processing, Batch scripting, ISA-95, Manufacturing execution system.