SWAP-IT: A Scalable and Lightweight Industry 4.0 Architecture for Cyber-Physical Production Systems

Abstract

In recent years, various abstract and practical architectures have been proposed in the context of Industry 4.0. While these architectures focus on different aspects, their common goal is to facilitate the transformation of a static production into a flexible, resilient, interconnected cyber-physical production system (CPPS). However, reviewing those reveals that a general procedure for applying those architectures is missing. In this paper, we propose a modular, scalable and lightweight architecture utilizing simplified semantic information models. We also present an integration guide that helps factory owners and process engineers to apply the proposed architecture. Furthermore, we also show how the factory operators can make architectural decisions according to their needs. This approach will help speed up the application of the architecture for the realization of a modular and scalable CPPS.