CORFU ESS adopts a hybrid approach for the development of IPMCSs  that integrates UML with the Function Block concept. The current implementation integrates IBM's Rose with the CORFU FBDK, however any other general purpose CASE Tool that supports UML can be utilized with minimum effort.

CORFU ESS is fully compatible with the Archimedes System Platform that can be used for the deployment and execution of the created FB design models. The SISTEP case study demonstrates this integration.

CORFU FBDK is composed of:

• A Function Block type Editor (with support for composite FBs - new)

• An Execution Control Chart Editor

• A Function Block Network Editor

• A System layer Editor

• built-in runtime environment for the animation of FB network diagrams (new)

• A FB network verification utility (new)

• A Model Interpreter (Transformation Facility Manager) to translate UML-based analysis diagrams from IBM's ROSE to FB-based design diagrams

• Importers/exporters for model interchange with other IEC61499 compliant tools

The currently available prototype implementation of CORFU FBDK was developed with Borland's Delphi IDE and supports in co-operation with Archimedes System Platform almost all of the phases of the development process of IPMCSs.