This seventh IFAC workshop on distributed control systems (DCCS) discusses the ideas of real-time synchronization and data consistency in industry, with emphasis on the Manufacturing Automation Protocol (MAP). The volume also debates the gulf between the computer scientist's approach to language and the needs of the application programmer. In addition to treating relevant topics, each session has an introductory paper and a panel discussion, to give a complete picture of the progress and research in this computer field today.

(partial) Introduction to DCCS-86: current and future issues in the design, analysis and implementation of distributed computer based systems, G J Suski & M G Rodd. Compilers and databases for DCCS: experiences with the open real time database system BAPAS-DB in distributed systems, H Windauer. DCCS communications I: token bus performance in MAP and PROWAY, D Janetzky & K S Watson. Critique of MAP and PROWAY, D J Damsker. DCCS communications II: the simulated performance of practical ETHERNET and MAP networks, H F Weehuizen et al. Design methodologies for DCCS: functional coordination for homogeneous distributed computer control system, C Imamichi & A Inamoto. Robotics and fault tolerance for DCCS: development of a stored-programme fail-safe press control system, M Weck & B Frentzen. DCCS for accelerators I: distributed computers in accelerator control systems, P N Clout. DCCS for accelerators II: critique of the TRIUMF control system, D P Gurd. scheduling and synchronization for DCCS: time rigid scheduling in distributed real time systems, H Kopetz. Industrial DCCS applications: the design of "Shoptalk", a distributed multiprocessor control system, S P Meyer et al.350 lit. refs. approx., 50 illus. approx.