Production systems are characterized by static configurations and slow adaption to changing requirements. They no longer meet current trends in mutability and dynamic adaptation. Software-defined Manufacturing (SDM) like other software-defined approaches leverages abstraction of hardware to achieve higher flexibility. Based on abstracted hardware, software defines desired functionalities. Requirements from the Operational Technology (OT), especially determinism, must be combined with the flexibility and interoperability of Information Technology (IT). This paper proposes a stack that enables the implementation of SDM based on a requirements analysis. It covers the main phases of the life cycle of automation applications and additional requirements from SDM. We derive the necessary components while resorting to existing approaches whenever possible. Means for applications engineering, configuration, deployment, and orchestration, as well as execution at run time, are developed.
Software-Defined Manufacturing (SDM) is a new paradigm for how to manufacture in the Industry 4.0 factory of the future. The approach requires a fundamental change in thinking and reinvention of central business models in production technology. This paper discusses the main challenges on the way to a software-defined factory of the future and illustrates possible solutions. An exemplary future factory is presented, in which the validation of the solutions is carried out. For this purpose, cloud-based Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) is considered as use case. Experimental results demonstrate the proof of concept and show the potential for further applications.
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