The hierarchical model of the automation pyramid represents the standard in manufacturing automation. Hierarchical structures play a special role in handling complex systems. A hierarchical system exists when individual subsystems (levels) with different priorities can be differentiated against subordinate or superordinate levels. The superordinate subsystems depend directly on the function filling of subordinate levels. The higher the hierarchy level, the greater the understanding and responsibility for the performance of the overall system. Deeper levels are characterized by increasing detail knowledge about individual processes and technologies.
Published in Chapter:
A Maturity Model to Organize the Multidimensionality of Digitalization in Smart Factories
Peter Schott (FAU Erlangen-Nuernberg, Germany), Matthias Lederer (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany), Sina Niedermaier (FAU Erlangen-Nuernberg, Germany), Freimut Bodendorf (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany), and Matthias Hafner (FAU Erlangen-Nuernberg, Germany)
Copyright: © 2018
|Pages: 21
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-2944-6.ch017
Abstract
Smart Factory concepts describe fully networked, autonomous factories and form an essential part of flexible, but still highly efficient production systems. The requirements for the further development of existing production environments towards a Smart Factory are multidimensional and vastly complex. Many companies therefore fail in the structured realization of a holistic Smart Factory concept. They either focus one dimension of the challenge or merely address the maximum penetration of powerful technologies. This chapter addresses this issue and describes a systematic development path towards a Smart Factory by means of a domain specific maturity model. Based on the analysis of existing maturity models, requirements are derived which must be considered when realizing a Smart Factory. In total, 20 design fields (e.g., degree of intelligence, communication protocols, human-machine-interface and IT security) and respective detail descriptions result from this research. They holistically structure the relevant fields of action to pursue a Smart Factory.