Data-driven Workflow Management by utilising BPMN and CPN in IIoT Systems with the Arrowhead Framework

Abstract

Workflow management is realised in manufacturing at the Enterprise-and Production (workstation) levels. The characteristics of business processes in these levels differ enough to prevent the adoption of a conventional modelling or implementation solution. The conceptualisation of an adequate and adaptable workflow management model that over-arches the heterogeneous business process levels is challenging. However, one of the encouragements of Industry 4.0 is to provide easy-touse models and solutions that enable the effective implementation of production goals.The current paper addresses this challenge and -as a proofof-concept -it demonstrates how the goals mentioned above can be achieved by combining the different manufacturing process models. To accomplish this, a workflow control engine needs to be designed and standardised respectively. Arrowhead is an IIoT (Industrial IoT) framework that dynamically and flexibly supports automated manufacturing processes following Industry 4.0 expectations. This paper describes how its workflow management system, i.e., the Workflow Choreographer implements automated production. Furthermore, it details what the functions of this system are and how it applies and combines BPMN and CPN in practice to provide a solution for the given challenge.To verify its feasibility, the paper showcases a demo application of the concept as well.

Dynamic Multilevel Workflow Management Concept for Industrial IoT Systems

“…During the creation of the workflow engine, various approaches for solution integration were considered, and as always, finding the optimal solution depends on the application area. Considering the requirements of Industry 4.0 concerning production, we aimed at providing a feasible solution both for business and production participants [47].…”

“…While addressing automated production issues through the Arrowhead framework, several alternatives came alive. These approaches defined the critical elements of the automated production, i.e., implemented following an SOA [44], using distributed systems and resources [46] and based on predefined but dynamically changing state machines [10], [47]. Considering the proposals, Section IV-B introduces the proposed new supporting core system, namely the Workflow Choreographer, which combines the mentioned concepts.…”

Arrowhead Technology for Digitalization and Automation Solution: Smart Cities and Smart Agriculture

“…[45,46] Flexible data acquisition system Ensuring interoperability between different data acquisition devices in production area. [47] Local clouds autonomous configuration Development of local automation clouds. [48][49][50][51] Deployment and configuration of SoS systems QoS improvement for SoS integration.…”

“…The IIOT system is also described in [47] together with another use-case for Arrowhead Framework for data-driven workflow management. Taking advantage of Arrowhead Framework SOA-based architecture, digital production in IoT context is considered for cloud communication.…”

“…Arrowhead-based cloud interconnected with Workflow Choreographer[47].Therefore, the Workflow Choreographer (formed as a new engine of the Arrowhead Framework) can ensure the necessary support for the IIoT System of Systems through its SOA-based principles derived from the Arrowhead Framework.2.2.3. Local Clouds Autonomous Configuration.…”