Software-defined Manufacturing: Data Representation

Due to constantly decreasing product cycles, a fast adaptability of manufacturing plants is a prerequisite for profitable operation. The paradigm of Software-defined Manufacturing (SDM) pursues this overriding goal by decoupling software from mechanical and electrical components. In this way, SDM allows the free definition of functionality, purely through software, limited only by the physical limitations of the machines and systems. This paper analyzes existing approaches that pursue the goal of digitally representing manufacturing to enable flexible adaptation. Based on this analysis, a model for the data representation is proposed that allows consistent use across the entire supply chain.